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: Mario Adnet's 'Um Olhar Sobre Villa Lobos'

Mario Adnet
Um Olhar Sobre Villa Lobos
Boranda

Latin Grammy-winning composer, arranger, and performer, Mario Adnet, hails from Brazil. Mario's jazzy and classical pieces include the warmth and talent of Milton Nascimento, Edu Lobo, Monica Salmaso, Paula Santoro, Yamandu Costa, and Muiza Adnet. There are rich orchestrations that are cinematic, improvisational, and uplifting. The fourteen tracks represent a solid repertoire of Brazilian-fused classical compositions with a touch of jazz and filmic qualities to entrance every listener everywhere. The orchestrations are a definite highlight, but the vocals are also quite desirable. Fans of Brazilian classical music, jazz, bossa-nova, pop standards, and South American music should check out the nostalgic tunings and chords on Mario Adnet's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss