CD Review: M.A.K.U. Soundsystem's 'Mezcla'

M.A.K.U. Soundsystem
Mezcla
Glitterbeat

The New York-based, Colombian-infused musical adventures of M.A.K.U. Soundsystem are eloquently showcased on their latest album, Mezcla. The steady, Latin-beat is full of funky percussive sounds, Spanish vocals, and an Afro-beat-meets-Klezmer influence likely absorbed from their New York home and Colombian heritage. The result is a frenzied, funkified, and psychedelic romp through the Central American jungles and the subways of New York City. The music brings in a certain amount of jazzy elements, electronic undertones, and a vibrant rhythm section to electrify the music for an unforgettable forty-three-minutes. The tracks and vocals represent a high-energy product that is danceable, thought-provoking, and lyrically-strong. All in all, nine tracks round out the album. The positives are marked with indelible beats, catchy rhythms and melodies, and a hint of nostalgic elements encompassing Afro-beat, psychedelic rock, funk, jazz, dance, and electronica. Fans of Latin-beat, Afro-beat, cumbia, and related genres will not want to miss Mezcla. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Toto La Momposina's 'Tambolero'

Toto La Momposina
Tambolero
Real World

Colombia's Toto La Momposina has done for Colombia what Cesaria Evora did for the Cape Verdes--bring vibrant, traditional music to the indigenous peoples, as well as people and cultures beyond their respective country's borders. Spanning nearly sixty-years in the musical realm, Toto La Momposina brings together the ethnic influences of African, Indian, and Spanish roots for a re-imagined hour of music originally released in 1993 as La Candela Viva. My first taste of Toto La Momposina's music began in 2000 with Pacanto (World Village). The same musical styles are present, but Tambolero is more rhythmic, dynamic, and percussion-friendly. There are dance-worthy tunes throughout. The fusion of traditional South American and Latin American instrumentation and melodies makes this one stand-out from 'typical' Latin or Spanish releases. A dozen tracks grace the album with tons of traditional elements and vocal gems. There are airy flutes on "Curura" and rapid hand-claps on "Gallinacito." Other attributes include heavy percussion, poignant ballads, and mesmerizing and complex melodies--which are also quite timeless. Fans of tropical, folk, traditional Spanish, Latin, South American, and Colombian music will be fascinated by the colorful tunes of Toto La Momposina's Tambolero. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: SLV's 'This Kind'

SLV
This Kind
Self-Release

SLV is Sandra Lilia Velasquez and the lead singer for the Latin band, Pistolera. SLV incorporates the work of Jordan Scannella from the electronic music group, Tortured Soul, as well as Nick Zammuto from an another electronic band. Is the music Latin, electronic, pop, or rock? Well, This Kind is special, because it includes musical styles that are rather undefinable. The influence is pop, while electronica leanings fill in the rest of the sound. "Limits" and "Situation" are an excellent example of pop/rock deliciousness with catchy melodies and great vocals. However, there are even reggae-type rhythms, new age orchestrations, and South American contemporary elements--notably from Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina. Importantly, this is not a traditional album, but an album with modern elements with light ethnic ties. Still, SLV shines with great rhythms, sounds, and melodies that are rather fluid and emotive. Think of Katie Melua meets Ceu. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Novalima's 'Planetario'

Novalima
Planetario
Wonderwheel Recordings

Afro-Peruvian musical connections have been Novalima's mainstay. Planetario is no exception, as the group continues to perform and preserve Afro-Peruvian and Afro-Colombian stylings, while maintaining a unique identity. The cumbia beat of "Beto Kele" represents a very earthy and infectious track with great percussion and vocals. The entrancing and addictive "Memekume" is more contemporary, but full of trippy elements and sporadic percussion. Novalima brings in artists as far away as the UK, Colombia, and Spain for a globetrotting, musical result that is anything but boring. If edgy, modern, and world-infused musical concoctions are what you seek, then Novalima's Planetario is a must-have. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Los Crema Paraiso's 'De Pelicula!'

Los Crema Paraiso 
De Pelicula!
Cutupra

Los Crema Paraiso's brand of world music runs the gamut from psych to rock to roots and beyond. The experimental and indigenous Venezuelan grooves are marked with a variety of jazzy, bossa nova, beat-driven melodies throughout. The Tears For Fears cover, "Everybody Wants To Rule The World," is one of the top highlights from the album. Another cover, the 1959 hit from Santo & Johnny, "Sleepwalk," is an ode to the classics in true pop form. There is a slight South American presence that is somewhat psychedelic and dreamy. There is another cover, "Personal Jesus," originally conceived by Depeche Mode, that is led by Carol C. in a slightly Brazilian musical soundscape. Covers aside, De Pelicula! surprises fans of South American rock, pop, and lounge with a heady mix of percussive ear candy, flowing melodies, and classic sounds that never get old or banal. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Monica Giraldo's 'Que Venga La Vida'

Monica Giraldo
Que Venga La Vida
Polen Records

Colombia's Monica Giraldo is a Latin-Grammy-nominated musician that brings us alt-pop and roots music with a lot less percussion than one would expect from vibrant areas of Central America. Monica's vocal and instrumental set-up is not too unlike New York's Leona Naess. However, the music still contains some Latin American character with a little alt-folk and roots comparisons that shine very well amid the mix. The ten tracks are poignant, delicate, and heartfelt. This is easy listening and contemporary pop constructions that are quite mature and pleasant. This may be based on contemporary Colombian pop, but Monica seems to take it one step further: into a world of roots, alt-folk, and a magical third genre. The music is perfect for anyone into Colombian pop, folk, and roots. Traditionalists into heavy percussion should look elsewhere to satisfied your needs. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cinco Santos' 'Duplicidad'

Cinco Santos
Duplicidad
Motivo Music Group

Formed by Lorenzo Montero of Canadian and Spanish decent, Cinco Santos embodies the spirit of Latin fusion incorporating various singers, guitarists, and musicians from Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. The moving "Azucar y Amor" is a gypsy, flamenco, and fusion tune with jazzy, Latin elements that are ripe with roots, folk, and breezy rhythms. "Nunca Mas" is an edgy, Latin fusion track with a choppy beat and great guitar accompaniment. "Te Quiero Aqui" opens with an industrial element that quickly delves into a Latin jazz and flamenco tune. "Duplicidad" begins with a jingly guitar and bass opening that includes an edgy vocal line that infuses a lighter guitar accompaniment throughout. There is a mix of grunge, Latin jazz, and Latin pop with rock, roots, and folk throughout. Without a clearly-defined path, Cinco Santos feel better forging their own path of music with mixed Latin influences for a truly engaging and charming mix of music. Fans of Latin fusion, jazz, Latin rock, flamenco, gypsy, and South American pop will love Duplicidad. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Latin Noir'

Various Artists
Latin Noir
Piranha

Latin Noir is a Latin music gem with obscure rhythms, noises, and melodies originating from Argentina, Cuba, Colombia, USA, and Mediterranean regions. There is a mix of instrumental and vocal music. The vocal music is in English, Spanish, and French. The baker’s dozen album contains rich rhythms with lively percussion and melodies with Afro-Caribbean and indigenous cultural roots. Anyone familiar with Latin jazz, South American music, Caribbean, and Latin American music will love the tracks on Latin Noir. There are quieter tunes, but the music is generally upbeat. The breezy guitar work of “Dejame Me Que Te Lleve” is especially intriguing, along with the Cuban vocal delivery. There are tracks by Watcha Clan, Eddie Bobe, Chango Spasiuk, Alfredo Gutierrez, and many others. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Che Sudaka's '10'

Che Sudaka
10
Cavernicola Records

The assembly of Argentinian and Colombian musicians based in Barcelona, Spain, continue to brighten up the world music and punk-folk genres with their characteristic party sound and South American-inspired rhythms. The punk-rap style of "C'est plus beau" contains blaring horns, harmonies, and a party-dance rhythm that is extremely infectious. "Inmigrant Soul" is a great tune with luscious harmonies, a bit of electronica, and accordion amidst a catchy melody in a similar way to the South Pacific's Te Vaka. It is one of the best songs on the album, but "Desearia," "Ya nunca me veras caer," "Stress," "Crisis de amor," and "Hombre libre" are close behind. There are a number of styles and influences included here with ska, reggae, jazz, folk, dance, rumba, Latin, and light punk-rap winning out. This is one of the best contemporary recordings to come out of Spain in recent memory. It is titled 10, because it is a 10. Liner notes are included for the song lyrics. ~ Matthew Forss