This album "Colors of Portugal" came to be as a result of some rather interesting circumstances which may interest you. I was recently invited to sing in Portugal and, as I also needed a rest at the time and had not visited this beautiful country before, I decided to accept. Whilst there I met Arlindo Carvalho, the "Father of Music" in Portugal. He has written over 2000 songs and he discovered me at the same time as I discovered and fell in love with his music. So what was to be a restful holiday turned quickly into the project which has now become "Colours of Portugal". The Portuguese people are a hard working and fun loving people, from my observations, and this love of life and living it to the fullest is well portrayed in their music. There is only one contradiction of this fact and that is "Fado". This traditional music has a sort of sad or melancholy flavour germane to Portugal exclusively. This type of music is described by a word that has no English or other counterpart, this being "Saudade". As these colourful and delightful people enjoy all types of other music, I have included some of my own favourites and increased the size of the album accordingly to also cater for all my English fans as well. All of the songs are sung in English except for two, which you will read about below. I wish to thank all who laboured and toiled to produce this for your listening pleasure. I have listed some notes on tracks for your information.
Recorded on location in Portugal with Maestro Jose Ricardo at the helm and Peter Siedlaczeks Advanced Orchestra for Phoenix Marketing Group International, PO Box 1, Shefford, Bedfordshire, UK. SG17 5TR.
All rights of the producer and of the manufacturer of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorised copying, hiring, broadcasting and public performance prohibited.
Granada
This is one of my favourite songs but is a totally new and exciting arrangement.
Hear My Song Violetta
This is a song from the film of the same name. It is a well known Joseph Locke love song and was recorded for my new English release. As this album has delayed its release we decided to include it on this release for both English fans and Portuguese alike.
April in Portugal
How could we miss not putting this hit song on the album. You will like the refreshing and romantic rendition of this beautiful song.
Song of Oledo (Cantiga do Oledo)
A ballad of a hardworking farmer who loses his love to an easier life in France. He sings of his only desire that his lover returns to Oledo.
Song of Guarda (Trova da Guarda)
A great king of Portugal in the 13th century builds a great city called Guarda. He builds it like a cathedral and people from everywhere came to admire his work. Guarda is the highest city in Portugal and at that time the king had a lover in Quimbra who was Soldade (sad, sort of) and missing him because it was taking so long to finish this masterpiece.
My Dreams of You
This is truly a beautiful new love song Arlindo put his talents to. He designed this song particularly for my voice and I will let you be the judge as you listen to it.
Ave Maria
Once again a new arrangement and immensely popular in Portugal and hence its inclusion on this album.
The Old Rugged Cross
I have sung this song in my concert venues in the UK, but it also was very well received in Portugal so it is on this album also.
Funiculi Funicula
Without repeating myself this fun and lively arrangement will please all my fans who have it on other albums and was well received by Portuguese fans alike.
To all the Girls I've Loved Before
This arrangement of an already world wide hit has to be heard. My tender and softer voice shines through in this all time favourite.
Penamacor
Earlier in Portugal's history Penamacor was a place that housed political prisoners. Many were unfairly treated and even tortured and this song tells that story. There is a feeling that the ghosts of these victims have returned to sing in this haunting song.
Oh Nostagia
This is a tribute song to Arlindo. I wanted you to hear this amazingly talented man's well known song sung by us both together to finish this album.
Please write into either the fan club or Phoenix Marketing with your comments. I would love to know what you think of it in order to plan for the future, and to all my fans I send my warmest and fondest greetings!!
Love Richard
