Latin Rhytnm and Flavor...French Style
Luis Hernandez | New York, New York, USA | 10/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Within the past few years, the boom in Latin culture has grown at a tremendous rate that has astonished many throughout the world. What is it of Latin music that stirs passion and rhythm whenever one listens to its' sounds. Well, in France, Latin music has been popular for many, many years. Unlike audiences in the English-speaking world, the French have admired Latin music for many reasons. Linguistic similarities, exoticism, and most importantly rhythm gave Latino artists a major audience that could enjoy their sounds.Compiled by Paris' "Latina Cafe" (which is on the Champs-Elysees), Wagram Records, and Radio Latina 99FM, "Latina Cafe" is an excellent exploration of Latin music on two compact discs. The first disc, which explores the classics of Latin music features such stars as Hector LaVoe, Gilberto Gil, Fulanito, Oscar D'Leon and many more others who lend their talents on this compilation. In my opinion, the highlights of this disc have to be La Lupe's version of the Peggy Lee classic "Fever," which she sings in a heavy Spanish accent. Singing in both English and Spanish, La Lupe was one of Latin music's greatest divas, and her devout gay following have made her an icon due to her ability to use flamboyance and sing with earthly passion and soul. Celia Cruz's "La Vida es Un Carnaval" is the ultimate song that showcases Celia's amazing vocals and passion whenever she sings. If this song that doesn't get you up and moving, then there is something terribly wrong with you.Disc Two explores Spanish & Portuguese music heavily influenced by new age electronica. Unlike today's electronica, the music on this disc is done so to capture the rhythm of the song and not to send you on a trance. Songs like "Maracatu Atomico" by Zuco 103 and "Samba" by Faze Action will send you into a dreamworld where everything Brazilian surrounds your soul. On the Spanish-language side, "Cada Vez" by Negrocan and "Pienso en Ti" will do the same, only with a much more tropical feeling. Disc one has over 68 minutes of music, while disc two has 78 minutes. Since it is imported from France, the packaging along with booklet is written in French. However, this shouldn't rule your purchase of this great compilation out. Try "Latina Cafe" for an excellent and sensational listening experience. When I first heard it playing at a store in Manhattan, it captured me entirely. Listen to it, and it will do the same to you as well."
Home brewed coffee
candan | New York, USA | 09/24/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The collection albums are very helpful guidelines for people who want to learn about a new kind of music. Latina Café is a very good example for new blood latin music in this sense. The first CD is mellower and has only few well-known oldies with new "taste" like " Besame Mucho" & " Me Cente". It fits perfectly to the Sunday morning multi-sectioned newspaper sessions with dark coffee. The second CD has more flavors in it. " Rio Vida" is like a warm welcome to a new section but " Coca Conga" is a song for a new experience. Now you are in a new world where classical Latin melodies and instruments meet with European funky / jazzy approach. All of these songs complement with all flavored caffes you can imagine. However my favorite part of the record is last half of the second CD. From the beginning of "Tu Quiers Cucharas" featuring ROXY, the Latina Café is starting to become a cool club on Champs-Elysees. My favorite songs " El ritmo de verdad" and " "Cada Vez" are very up beat, rhythmic. Maybe you cannot fly to Paris for the weekend but you'd make " Home brewed coffee with spices " this weekend and let "Latina Café " escort you."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1