"Carmen Souza's latest album, 'Ess ê Nha Cabo Verde-Special Roots edition' resonates with the rhythms of Cabo Verde as does a sea-shell held to the ear.
Born a generation away from the shores of the islands Carmen (vocals, guitar, keyboards) reaches deep into her spirit, her roots, to compose lyrics of profound sincerity and freshness.

Orlanda Guilande (backing vocals, African drum/percussion) has a voice that demonstrates power and yet gentle restraint. Clearly sharing a special sister-ship with Carmen, they weave a harmony of clear purity and balance.

'Ess ê Nha Cabo Verde' is composed, produced and arranged by Carmen’s mentor Theo Pas’cal (bass, double bass, keyboards, Afro jazz guitars and percussion). His intelligent musical workmanship guides the tracks through a satisfying array of complex rhythms. The gentle mixed skipping of batuque and kilampanga is heard in the opening track 'Mar na Corazon' (Sea in my Heart). The effect envelopes the senses in such sweet, sad elemental reflections and draws the listener away to a personal musical baptism.

'Nha Vida Nha Flor' (track 7) creates a distinctive sound with cleverly mixed funana (fast risqué dancing beat) with morna (blues). 'Esperanca e Consol' (track 8) uses a mixture of Cuban rhythms, coladeira and salsa clave.

This album creates a unique mix of Cape Verde/roots/jazz and needs to make no apology to any purist that needs to identify recognisable traditions. The result of this collaboration of irrefutable musical expertise and smooth wholesome harmonies has produced a perfect pearl." - Marilyn Pannett, Littlehampton Gazette, 2006 UK