Search - Various Artists :: Colors of the World: Latin

Another best buy

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 09/19/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Colors of The World series specializes in bringing you music that often goes unnoticed outside of it's country of origin. This particular CD concentrates on Latin and focuses primarily on Spanish Flamenco, Salsa, Mambo , Rhumba, Son and other styles unique to Latin music. Many of the tunes are instrumental and the ones that do have lyrics are in Spanish. There are several excelent instrumental selections including "La Llorona" by Muska that includes fine guitar work complimented by an Andean sounding flute in place of the typical vocals. There are some surprises here as well, like the inclusion of heavies from a bygone era like Perez Prado with his "Mambo No 5," master bassist and elder musician Cachao, who hails from Cuba and performs a stirring impromtu number entitled "Jam Session Mambo" that is Latin Jazz at it's finest. Also a delightful entry(my personal fave) is Vieja Santiaguera's rendition of "Guantanamera" that sounds even better considering they are all musicians in their seventies or beyond! BTW, there was a fine feature documentary from the Netherlands that follows them for a five-month tour of Europe entitled "Lagrimas Negras" which is very much like the Buena Vista Social Club movie. This CD is a good buy and the music is an excellent sampler of a variety of styles that never allow one to get bored. Take a musical journey at an unbelieveable low price, the destinations have magical healing powers well worth the price. If you like Latin music add this to your next order, you'll hardly notice the price of this outstanding bargain."