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May 16 2008
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Elly Roberts reviews
Putumayo Presents Latin Reggae
Distributed by
Putumayo World Music
- Released: January 2008
- Rating: 10/10
Bring on the summer!
Once again Putumayo World Music comes up trumps with some sunshine grooves.
This time it’s a superb Reggae twist with masses of Latin flavours.
Covering Europe, south and north America, the tracklisting brings together a
host of the genre’s exponents, and appropriately it begins with Spanish combo
Muchachito Bombo Infiero.
This alternative band are part of a well established scene where bands are
blending local styles like rumba flamenco with reggae, electronica, salsa and
rock. Muchachito, real name Jairo Perera started as a busker in Barcelona, then
met several musicians from across Spain.
He formed this band to bring an energetic and creative new sound becoming one
of the country’s hottest underground bands. Fusing '60s old school and a hint
of Ska it tells the tale of a relationship suffering from a lack of communication
using an upbeat format. The brass section swings joyously while Muchachito
adds his rusting vocals.
Dani Carbonel aka Macaco, part of the Barcelona mestizo (mixed) music scene, reflecting
the strong multiculturalism of the Catalan city with a song that bursts with brass
and funky beats. He’s clearly got the hots for a bleach blonde dark-skinned
babe.
Also from the city is Radio Malanga. Their Charito Va gets down and groovy spiced
by yet another hot brass section. Social conscious lyrics about a homeless child
in Colombia are a message to the government to get their act together : "With
hunger, with cold, he can do nothing. You have the solution."
Based on the Arabic word kafir (unfaithful) Los Cafres evolved during a reggae
trend that swept through Argentina in the 90s. Their easy going vibe suggesting
that, "... a dose of reggae harmony improves your mind…It’s a simple recipe
and despite what some people say / Reggae is beautiful, not monotonous."
Formed in 1996 by a group of university students in San Juan Porto Rico, Cultura
Profetica is strongly influenced by the legendary Bob Marley, they’ve gone on
to create a multi-fusion of hip hop, Brazilian, funk and soul and elements of
Spanish music. Reggae Rustico celebrates its mysticism, rhythms, along with its
unifying power.
Originally formed in Buenos Aires in 2000, Go Lem System relocated to Barcelona
where founders Aleko Capilouto and Sergio Korin, Pura Sangre (Pure Blood) is
lifted from their 2006 album Caceria. America is represented by Brooklyn-based DJ/producer
Ticklah (Victor Axelrod). Si Hecho Palante has shades of Mighty Dub Katz’s
scintillating dub-reggae Magic Carpet Ride, full of low hung grooviness
and rasping brass interludes while Mayra Vega sings of cleansing herself in an
Afro-Cuban ritual.
Spain’s Black Gandhi is a more straight forward band, leaning heavily
on Marley. The line up includes members from Holland, Cuba and Argentina based
in Barcelona, and on the rise. Pateras gives a controversial warning to immigrants
expecting the good life in Europe: "Rafts, too many rafts / Flags, too many
barriers / All these immigrants rowing around the world."
Another Spanish artist is Amparo Sanchez aka Amparanoia. Hailing from Granada,
he’s also prominent on the mestizo scene. Ven (come) is a chilled Mediterranean
torch jaunt, proving they’re well worth their BBC World Music Award for Best European
Artist. Chileans Gondwana formed 21 years ago.
They kept a low profile during the suppressive Pinochet regime due to their
socially conscious lyrics. Here they sing Sacred Books, about the struggle
against violence and oppression. Despite the heavy content, it’s a pretty
upbeat celebration. Canada’s Sarazino was formed by Algerian Lamine Fallah
and Lebanese Walid Nahas 13 years ago. Their Desbaratado lament’s a lost love
through glorious chorus and rolling funky groove.
File under: Tasty.
The full list of tracks included are :
1. Muchachito Bombo Infiero – Conversaciones Incompatibles (Spain)
2. Macaco – Mulata Descolorada (Spain)
3. Radio Malanga – Charito Va (Spain)
4. Los Cafres – La Receta (Argentina)
5. Cultura Profetica - Reggae Rustico (Puerto Rica)
6. Go Lem System – Pura Sangre (Spain)
7. Ticklah featuring Mayra Vega – Si Hecho Palante (USA)
8. Black Gandhi – Pateras (Spain)
9. Amparanoia – Ven (Spain)
10. Gondwana – Libros Sagrados (Chile)
11. Sarazino – Desbaratado (Ecuador / Canada / Algeria)
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2008.
For prints of any of Elly's concert pics online,
email Elly
or call 07765 862017.
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connected to either a Creative Dxr2 DVD-ROM player or Microsoft Xbox and
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