Son: Soul Of A Nation

Sierra Maestra
(Riverboat, TUG1039)

Sierra Maestra, Cuba’s leading son group, who are largely responsible for the style’s revival, present their personal account of the genre’s development in Son: Soul Of A Nation. The bedrock of Cuban music, son has shaped much of twentieth-century Latin music, and this album, recorded in Havana, pays tribute to the great writers of the past, selecting lesser-known classics alongside legendary tunes. Charting son’s development from the early days before horns were introduced, through the additions of trumpets, piano and big bands, to the original modern son sound, this album is a glorious tribute confirming the dictum that ‘Son is the soul of our nation’.
 

'Sheer soul and love... imbue every note of this music.’ The Daily Telegraph

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Voodoo Love Inna Champeta Land

Colombiafrica - The Mystic Orchestra
(Riverboat, TUG1035)

Champeta is the riotous Afro-Colombian street sound of Colombia’s Caribbean coast – a powder-keg of rhythms from local slave descendents brewed together with Congolese soukous, Ghanaian highlife, and Nigerian Afro-beat. Three years in the making Voodoo Love Inna Champeta Land finds Colombian champeta stars Viviano Torres, Luis Towers and Justo Valdez jamming with African legends Dally Kimoko, Diblo Dibala, Sékou Diabaté, Nyboma and Rigo Star, bringing Afro-Colombian grooves back home to African soil. Afro-Latin rhythms have never sounded like this before...
 

Featuring: Dally Kimoko, Diblo Dibala, Sékou Diabaté, Nyboma and Rigo Star
***** (five stars) 'This is a fabulous record on all levels ...utterly sublime.' Songlines

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Rumba Sin Fronteras

Pancho Quinto
(Riverboat, TUG1031)

Pancho Quinto’s music is a unique cross of rhythmic and harmonic elements rarely heard in contemporary music and features innovations in Cuban rumba percussion. Rumba Sin Fronteras highlights the spirit of improvisation that makes Pancho such a major force in the development of Cuban music and one of the world’s great percussion innovators. On this recording, generations of musicians collaborate in a stunning mix of Afro-Cuban and African-American traditions, creating a ‘rumba without frontiers’.


'They are performances of depth and imagination.' Songlines

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Rumbero Soy

Sierra Maestra
(Riverboat, TUG1027)

Rumbero Soy is the electrifying new album from Sierra Maestra that pushes back the boundaries of traditional son, in an unbridled celebration of their twenty-five years of success. Recorded in Bordeaux and Havana with new younger members fresh from the Cuban talent factory, the legendary soneros present groundbreaking tracks featuring an innovative sound, new songs and very special guests Ibrahim Ferrer, Omara Portuondo and Marc Ribot.
 

'A typically addictive release.' The Independent

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Think Global: Acoustic Brazil

Various
(Think Global, THINK107)

Brazilian music encompasses a vast array of cool styles, ranging from the driving samba of Rio’s carnival to the lilting melodies of its enchanting acoustic grooves. Think Global: Acoustic Brazil – in association with Oxfam – features unplugged, late-night tracks from Brazilian legends such as Maria Bethania, Chico Buarque, Marcos Sacramento and Paulo Moura.


‘Think Global is a new compilation series that wears its heart on it’s sleeve.' The Independent

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Think Global: Salsa

Various
(Think Global, THINK05)

Salsa is the infectious, upbeat Latin dance style that has spread like wildfire across the globe and continues to soar in popularity. From the non-stop swing of La Sonora Carruseles to the Grammy award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Think Global: Salsa is the ultimate collection of red hot salsa beats.


'Yet another worthy introduction.' Songlines

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Think Global: Tango

Various
(Think Global, THINK03)

Tango is a roots music, bursting with sensuality, red-hot passion and reams of rhythm. Born on the streets - from the outskirts of Buenos Aires to the ports of Montevideo - it served as a social connection for those living on the margins of society. From Juan Carlos Cáceres to Carlos Libedinsky, Think Global: Tango – produced in association with Oxfam - gives a sweeping overview of this fascinating and seductive music and dance genre.
 

'Proof of tango’s enduring versatility.' Songlines

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The Rough Guide To Latin Funk

Various
(Rough Guide, RGNET1196)

Latinos have always been funky - from pulsating son montuno grooves to bouncy bugalu and loping songo beats. Artists such as veteran Latin Soul man Joe Bataan, Miami's Spam Allstars, Brooklyn's Jose Conde, and Up, Bustle and Out from the UK/Mexico, are sure to make you shake your hips to the funk - but this time with a slice of chili pepper and a shot of rum!


'Cracking stuff.' Global Rhythm

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