Madrigaïa
Pleiades
(Independent)
www.madrigaia.com



Vocal ensembles almost always deliver tremendous live shows. There’s something about the physical effort and concentration required that just seems to sparkle on a concert stage. On its second full-length disc, Franco-Manitoban world music troupe Madrigaïa has brought that live sparkle into the studio and emerged with 14 cuts that absolutely radiate. Part of the charm is the exotic nature of the material — the seven singers and two percussionists have combed the globe, from French Manitoba to Brazil, Bulgaria, India and beyond, in search of these airs and melodies. And they’ve done their homework right down to the tiniest detail, as vocal subtexts and countermelodies liven up even the simplest of tunes. From gentle folk songs to intense Argentinian tango, Pléaides is a fully realized, deeply satisfying album. — John Kendle