Fados de Coimbra and Other Songs is a significant album by the Portuguese folk singer and songwriter José Afonso. The album was recorded in 1981 and holds importance in the context of Fado de Coimbra, a genre of traditional Portuguese music. José Afonso dedicated this album to his father and also to Edmundo de Bettencourt, whom he referred to as the greatest fado singer of all time and a great poet in an interview. This dedication is notable as it reflects Afonso's appreciation for Bettencourt's contributions to Fado. Afonso's declaration about Bettencourt's significance can be seen as a departure from any revivalist intentions regarding Fado de Coimbra and student folk traditions. During this time, there were efforts to revive and conserve these traditions in conservative academic environments. However, Afonso emphasized the importance of innovation within the tradition, which had already been initiated by Bettencourt through his unique way of singing and the introduction of popular songs into Fado. It's worth noting that Fados de Coimbra and Other Songs was not previously available in digital format but has been re-mastered at Soundgarden Tonstudio Hamburg by Florian Siller. This album release is made possible by the Mais 5 label, established by Lusitanian SCL, which aims to release José Afonso's recorded works. The label works closely with the Estate of José Afonso and collaborates with the family to bring his music to a wider audience.
