Fado Navegante

There have been few male singers breaking through in the new fado, but Mário Moita might prove to be an exception. He does things differently; not only is he an accomplished singer and composer, but he also plays piano, not an instrument generally associated with the genre (although it was used in the 19th century). Many of his songs have a nautical theme, drawing accordion into the mix, and on "Fado Crioulo," a soprano sax. There's definitely sentimentality to his songs, even when bringing in unusual elements like the string quartet on "Dona da Noite," and at heart he's very much a traditionalist — he even includes a troubadour serenade, a style that long predates fado. There's a winning warmth to what Moita does, however, that could draw in people who might never listen to fado.