Carminho is Portugal's brightest new star. Her first album, 'Fado', was a burning statement of intent from the 25-year-old, who realised after attending university and travelling the globe that singing the music of her homeland was her calling in life. It went on to be named the best album of 2011 by Songlines.

Her new album, 'Alma' (Portuguese for 'soul'), was released in March 2012 and portrays a woman growing in spirit as well as talent. It combines traditional fado songs resurrected from the dusty tavernas of old with her own music and new arrangements of the work of Brazilian greats such as Fernanda Maria and Vinicius de Moraes.

Carminho's voice soars over quintessential Portuguese and acoustic Spanish guitars. 'Carminho has a voice both beautifully translucent and stunning in its emotional charge... it's impossible not to break when in the presence of this remarkable performer.' Songlines