Olivas: New CDs showcase rich diversity of Latin music
by Rogelio Yubeta Olivas on Jul. 24, 2008, under Calendar
With contributions from so many countries, the Latin music catalog is vast and varied. Jazz, world, flamenco, bossa nova, norteño, salsa, rock in Spanish – they all fall under the same Latin umbrella. Listeners with an appreciation for non mainstream artists and sounds also have plenty to choose from in this category. The following five titles came across my desk recently and are definitely worth checking out.
Spam Allstars
“Introducing Spam Allstars” (Introducing/ World Music Network)
Grounded in Latin funk, the Miami ensemble blends horns, improvisational electronic elements and turntables with hip-hop and dub. The band says its mission is to create an electronic descarga, (electrical charge) or “electro-charanga” (a reference to a genre of Cuban music featuring flutes and strings). Described as a “crazy melting pot that is Miami,” Spam Allstars is made up of DJ Le Spam (turntables, samplers, guitar, bass), Adam Zimmon (guitar), Tomas Diaz (timbales, vocals), AJ Hill (sax, vocals) Steve Welsh (sax), Mercedes Abal (flute), Chad Bernstein (trombone, vocals), Lazaro Alfonso (congas).
Standout tracks: “Ochimini,” “Descarga Gusano,” “Una Buena Limpieza”
Chambao
“Con Otro Aire” (Norte)
Nouveau flamenco is either cheesy New Age noise or creative, tranquil genius. Those familiar with the music of Chambao know the Spanish band’s fusion of electronica and flamenco is the ladder. Just ask fan Ricky Martin, who sings a duet – “Te Recuerdo” – with lead singer La Mari. “Chambao’s music is true magic,” Martin says. He’s exaggerating – but not by much. The band’s “flamenco-chill” sound is original and relaxing, with soothing vocals by La Mari and gorgeous instrumentation that incorporates Latin, Middle Eastern and Indian rhythms.
Standout tracks: “Papeles Mojados,” “Voces,” “El Viejo San Juan”
Various Artists
“Think Global presents Fiesta Latina” (World Music Network)
If you’re seeking Latin party music for a cosmopolitan crowd, this is the CD for you. The dance steps of salsa, merengue, cumbia and bachata flow from such greats as Ray Barreto, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and La Sonora Dinamita, among others. Other contributors include Spain’s Los Fulanos – with a bugalú that sounds like a blend of James Brown and the Fania All-Stars – and the rap-flamenco mix of “Amor de Locos” by Eddy Herrera and Vladimir Dotel.
Standout tracks: “El Cacú” by Pocy & La Cocoband, “C’Mon Get Dancing” by Los Fulanos and “Ay Chave” by La Sonora Dinamita
Andrés Subercaseaux
“Aqui” (Triple Down Records)
Andrés Subercaseaux of Santiago, Chile, has a master’s in music technology and scoring for films from New York University, and the compositions on his debut CD reflect his studies. His primarily instrumental collection takes us on a sonic journey through ambient, electronica, Latin, avant-garde, and alternative and experimental rock. It’s a journey that never gets boring and one that is intended solely for the truly musically adventurous.
Standout tracks: “The Illiest,” “Ella me Dijo,” “Pensando Que”
Various Artists
“The Rough Guide to Cuban Street Party” (World Music Network)
La Lupe, Yumuri y Sus Hermanos, and Celia Cruz with Johnny Pacheco are among the artists featured in this compilation showcasing the talents of U.S.-based Cuban exiles and their fellow musicians on the island. This sizzlin’ Cuban street party includes the sounds of son, timba, guajira and Nuyorican salsa and will have you moving your colita – whether you want to or not.
Standout tracks: “Llego Tete” by Teresa Garcia Caturla, “Tres Dias de Carnaval” by Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco and “Castigala” by Maraca
Spam Allstars – “Descarga Gusano”
Spam Allstars – “Unaq Buena Limpieza”
Andres Subercaseaux – “Ella Me Dijo”
Andres Subercaseaux – “The Illiest”
Andres Subercaseaux – “Pensando Que”
Teresa Garcia Caturla – “Llego Tete”
Celia Cruz & Johnny Pacheco – “Tres Dias de Carnaval”
La Sonora Dinamita – “Ay Chave”
