Post Scriptum

"Post-Scriptum" gives us an almost literary depth and passion to what might seem on the front-side a delicate collection of mere Portuguese ballads.This is best listened to in summer-time, with open windows so that Branco's beautiful serenedical voice wafts out toward your neighbors. You might've heard on her on NPR, but the CD's crisp-clean freshness does what radio cannot do, and that is to bring the artist into your living room.Delightful, and yet there is a sobriety in her voice. Romantic -- she might be the woman you fell in love with years ago, and all you have now is her songs charming you in your head. Fans of Pablo Neruda's or Victor Hugo's love poetry might find "Post-Scriptum" a fine choice.My personal favorite is "Preludio." There is some which reminds me of Django Reinhardt in the guitar.I regret I know no Portuguese, and for those who do know the language, I expect the CD to be that much more valuable.I fully recommend "Post-Scriptum" by Cristina Branco.Anthony Trendl