Album Notes

OLA!

Ramana Vieira's second album entitled "Despi A Alma" (I Undressed My Soul) has been an international hit! Vieira powerfully delivers originally composed songs, as well as a few classics by her idol, the late, amazing Fadista Amália da Piedade Rodrigues.

Amália was known as the "Queen of Fado", setting the precedence for all Fadistas to follow. During the time of her rein, she beautifully sang in French, Spanish, English and Portuguese, performing all over the world from Europe to Asia to the Americas. As a tribute to Amália, Ramana performs classics such as "Barco Negro", "Triste Sina", and "Estranha Forma De Vida" for you to enjoy on the "Despi A Alma" album.

The originally composed track, "Sophia", pays tribute to a friend's daughter. Ramana's lyrics are based on verses written by a talented Portuguese poet and friend, José Raposo.

Ramana is the daughter of Portuguese immigrants from the Madeira Island. Living in San Francisco's Bay Area, she received formal voice and acting training at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. This structured method of learning allowed her to reconnect with her family’s cultural roots and develop her own cultural-identity. “Fado songs put me in touch with the deep heritage of being Portuguese and awakens my soul,” says Ramana.

Since her first album release, Ramana has been grateful for all the opportunities that have presented themselves. She has opened for Mariza, one of the worlds greatest modern Fado performers. She also has landed a front cover story in Mundo Portugese magazine and is mentioned as "The New Voice of Portuguese World Music." She toured through Europe performing in authentic Fado houses where audiences could not distinguish her from native singers. Recently, she had been invited to perform in the Winter Olympics 2006, located in Torino, Italy, with Christopher Hedge and the Magnetic Poets of San Francisco. She was eager to contribute a song she had written entitled "Unido Para Amar" (United in Love) to be featured in music video montages shown during Winter Games!

_____
Go here to view and listen to the 2006 Winter Olympic video:
http://ramanavieira.com/RamanaQT.mov

_____
Visit her official website:
http://www.ramanavieira.net


Her voice is intoxicating, breathtaking, and powerfully felt in the second album "Despi A Alma".

Thank you for playing and supporting her music!

Obrigada e abra!