Search - Various Artists :: Vaya Rumba!: Fiery Rhythms From The Heart Of Catalonia

Great Compilation of Spanish Pop Rumba

Jeff Wrobel (jwrobel@nosc.mil) | San Diego, California, USA | 02/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoy Latin music and rhythms, but can't stand the electronic thumping of most of the pop tunes you hear on Latin radio stations, and you want something a little more modern sounding than (the Great) Carlos Montoya, this may be the CD you've been looking for. I was unfamiliar with this style of music, but bought it on the recommendation of someone on the Gipsy Kings email list. Now that I have a taste of Spanish Pop Rumba, I'm trying to figure out how I can afford to move to Barcelona where I have a chance of hearing more. I REALLY like "No Se, No Se" by Rumba Tres. I'm considering them as my next music purchase. The liner notes on Vaya Rumba say that their classic stuff is better than their new stuff. Dolores Vargas is also pretty impressive. Her voice really commands attention. She's one of the few female singers that I actually enjoy listening to, rather than just putting up with. And judging from the little picture included in the liner notes, she's also somewhat of a babe. I looked in a few online music stores and can't find anything by her. Every track on this CD is good or great. The only one that I find a little challenging at times is "Yeke Yeke" by Los Lachos. Some of the group-singing by the women is Yucky Yucky. Oh yeah, the intro to La Piragua is similar, but Dolores' singing makes up for it. If you like the Gipsy Kings, chances are that you'll like this. The price is pretty good for 16 wonderful numbers. Buy it! I know I did!"