Madredeus: O Paraiso

It has been a dozen years and various personnel shifts since the famed Portuguese group Madredeus began its musical journey, in the process becoming one of Lisbon’s most identifiable musical exports. Initially, the group, founded by charter members Pedro Ayres Magalhaes and Rodrigo Leao, sought to expand on the influence of Portuguese fado, one of those musical traditions in the world melding sophistication and folk-like rootsy-ness. Along the way, they picked up followers of their often soothing, intriguing stylistic blend, including German director Wim Wenders, who used their music as the soundtrack for his film Lisbon Story.