The Italians invented Opera...
The Americans invented Jazz...
The Spanish invented Flamenco...
The Koreans invented K-Pop...
And the Portuguese invented Fado...
Fado is an 18th century Portuguese style of music that can be best described as the "folk blues"...the music is sad and melancholy, yet has a lovely richness and depth. Songs are typically about lost sailors, bad romances, and dead lovers. There are touristy shows and restaurants throughout Lisbon, but supposedly Canto do Camões is still an original local venue, mostly. No cover charge, just pay for your meal and drinks.
A nice older gentlemen welcomed me and led me into the traditional Portuguese dining room. It was 3/4ths empty on this Friday night, but that was no surprise since outside people were partying in the streets for Portugal's Independence day. I told the gentleman I already ate and just wanted wine, some local Vino Verde, or aka Green Wine. He smiled and said "Sim!" Which means "Yes". I sat there entranced by the first Fado song by an older but lovely woman singing her heart out. Before I realized what was happening beside me, a glass of green wine and plate of nuts were placed in front of me, and on my left an ice bucket containing a full bottle of wine on...I guess I didn't specify glass or bottle. But it was my last night in Europe, so why not? I spent about an hour enjoying my wine and the rotating Fado musicians and singers. By the time I left, I was drunk and happy, and just €14 poorer...that's a pretty good deal! I'll be back some day... read more