Search - Susana Baca :: Travesias

Distinctive voyage.

jazzmusikeditor | U.K. | 11/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Susana Baca came to international prominence doing her own thing and in so doing became synonymous with the Afro-Peruvian sound that is now recognised the world over.

"Travesias" sees her gently exploring other directions in music and indulging herself with some inspired collaborations.



With songs chosen from Italy, Spain, Brazil, Chile and Haiti to name a few, Susana Baca has nevertheless insisted on a personal connection with each and every song.

It is a cliché to say that lesser musicians 'borrow' songs but great ones 'steal' them, and that is what happens here.



"Merci bon dieu" illustrates this perfectly. The song is in fact originally from Haiti but sung by Susana Baca with her full tone, nimble pacing and taste for simple accompaniment, this could easily be from the Afro-Peruvian cannon she weaves around her.



Susana Baca is a self-confessed lefty and so it is to be expected that she is drawn ineluctably to the poetry of Pablo Neruda, from whose verse she creates the anthemic "Guillermina". The subject matter being the passing of time for a woman seems to have particular resonance for the singer.



And from the same country, Chile, Anti-fascist activist Violeta Parra's "Una copla me ha cantado" is chosen. It's a delicate song from a woman of great stength.



She makes something beautiful with the world's favourite politician Gilberto Gil on the gently funky "Estrela" -- a duet of exquisite longing and delicacy.



Landing back in Peru for the traditional Christmas tune "Palomita ingrata". An ancient song forever linked to the practice of slave owners showing off their human possessions, given a fresh poignancy by Baca's attentions.



Lastly, in case English speakers were feeling left out by this uncharacteristically internationalist mode from Susana Baca, there is a surprise cover of Damien Rice's "Volcano". Baca is drawn to the painful love described in the song and she has the perfect voice to amplify that. As a footnote, she heard the song on a compilation of songs a friend made for her, proving once again that home-taping and its modern versions are not killing music after all.





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Susana Baca : La Voz del Miel Mundial Logra Tanto Y Merece M

Marilena-Siobhan Kenny | Phoenix, Arizona | 01/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Travessias proves once more that Susana Baca indeed has what David Byrne set out to accomplish by bringing "The Voice Of The World" to fans and listeners. If there is anything more necessary in our world today, I don't know where to find it right now; D.B. and Yale, my buds at Luaka Bop DO know !! Their stable of thouroughbred artists like Susana Baca, Jim White and The Plus 2's, prove it. They don't need me to describe their great skill at performances. I will, however extoll their virtues to the extreme whenever I'm asked for my humble opinions! Travessias by Susana Baca is about as representative of multiculturalism as one can get. She not only brings us "Black Peru" but songs that exemplify her genius for interpretation. Susana really ought to be exposed more and more in the U.S. entertainment scene and regularly. Like I told D.B. and Yale, as inane as the talk/variety cicuit goes, their stable of talent are too missed by we who adore them. Susana Baca's Travessias is the choice for MY recommendations for what to get for your music-lover!!

Brava! Brava! Mas y mas y mas, Estimadisima Susana!, Jim, Kassin + 2, Geggy Tah, Zap Mama and especially MUITO MAIS "O Mestre Tom Ze". I wish I could have you all over for a cafezinho bica and some goiabada and of course, lots of tunes ! Man-O-Man ! You people really gotta hear Susana Baca express her loveliness in several languages too, no less ! I expect no less from any Luaka Bop venture!!! ( ALSO-check out my Irish cousin's music from "Emer Kenny", you'll be impressed and proud of her as I was / am...). Muschos Besos Y Abrazos Susana, Yo Te Amo !



XXXOOO!!!

Marilena-Siobhan Kenny, # 1 Luaka Bopper

Phoenix, N.Y.C., Galway, Barcelona, Sao Paulo, Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro

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