Uxia

"Uxia doesn't have a great voice, she is a great voice," wrote a Portuguese critic. And one listen to Estou Vivindo No Ceo ("Living in the Clouds") will prove him right.

Uxía Senlle has taken traditional songs from Galicia and Portugal, and with her distinctive voice and respect for tradition she has created a collection of music which is fresh and exciting and encapsulates the musical history of this little-known region. Her first recording was as a soloist; she then formed the group Na Loea, with whom she made two CDs before returning to solo work.

The wonderful arrangements on Estou Vivindo No Ceo were done by Nacho Muñoz, who has been working with Uxía for the past six years. This CD combines medieval and traditional songs from northwestern Spain and northern Portugal with modern songs by such composers as José Afonso, Julio Pereira, Victor Aparicio, Quintas-Canella, and of course by Uxía herself. It is a magical, serene, and intimate recording. —Courtesy Calabash Music