Mundo Português magazine describes Ramana Vieira as "The new voice of Portuguese world music." Ramana pulls traditional fado music into the 21st century with her powerful vocals and unique stylings, juxtaposing unconventional instrumental layers over fado's haunting melodies and melancholy stories of heartache and disappointment.

Joined by Laura Boytz on cello, Michael McMorrow on Portuguese Guitarra, Jeffrey Luiz on classical guitar, Stephen La Porta on percussion, and Alberto Ramirez on electric bass, Ramana sings songs both traditional and original, including tunes from her new CD, Lagrimas De Rainha (Tears of a Queen).

Born in San Leandro, California to Portuguese immigrants, Ramana's personal relationship to fado lies deep in her family history. Her grandfather was a famous musician and composer from Madeira Island and Ramana heard the voices of Portugal's past at a young age, including that of her main influence, the "Queen of Fado," Amália Rodrigues.

Visit Ramana's website

Listen to a track from Ramana Viera: