Search - Ensemble Kalinda :: Kalinda Kaliente!

One of the more inspring recent stories in Chicago music

04/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the more inspiring recent stories in Chicago music has been the ascent of Ensemble Kalinda, a Unique but indispensable band based at Columbia College Chicago. Formed to explore the links between the musical cultures of Africa and the Americas ( including the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America), the band quickly established a large and loyal following, and its debut CD explains why. Here is African-based music of Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Trinidad and beyond played with a light touch that disarms the casual listeners, but beyond played with a light touch that disarms the casual listener, but with a degree of scholarship and stylistic authenticity that appeals to the connoisseur, as well. Though there's no resisting the intricate flute work of Jose "Papo" Santiago, the larger-than-life trumpet lines of Kenny Anderson, the gently insinuating vocals of Pulinho Garcia or the Exquisitely detailed percussion of Carlos Eguis-Aguila, it's the larger ensemble sound that ultimately seduces the ear."

An infectious Afro-Latin tour

02/14/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"At first listening, I was pleased with this recording--but it didn't truly delight me. Then, during subsequent plays, I noticed myself dancing around the kitchen to its lively melange of infectious tunes. For me, this is a delightful tour of places where life is lived to a bright, rhythmic score..."