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Spanish language music: Cumbia
ABOUT CUMBIA
Cumbia is a type of Colombian folk music and dance that blends the traditions
of three cultures that settled in the region: the indigenous peoples,
Spanish-Moorish peoples, and African slaves. In its purest form, cumbia
is played on African drums and Native American flutes, but the accordion
eventually became the preferred main instrument. The organ and harp
have also been used. In addition, the place of origin of the cumbia
on Colombia's north Atlantic coast opened it to influences from the
Caribbean. It is from here presumably whence the cumbia derives its
single steady backbeat. "The 90's Cumbia" is a modern variation
on traditional cumbia. It is glamorous and theatrical and makes extensive
use of synthesizers and keyboards. Cumbia is popular in South America,
Central America, and Mexico.
CUMBIA ARTISTS
Bacilos
(Miami, USA / Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico)
CD Caraluna [2002]
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CD REVIEW: Pop/rock/tropical fusionists Bacilos elevate their
game here, employing classy violins, gorgeous harmonies, and easy-to-hum
rhythms. The songs are tighter, more thoughtful, and, ultimately, more
radio friendly. The winsome 11-track set kicks off with the first single
"Mi Primer Millon," a tongue-in-cheek tale about breaking
into the big time. The horn-fueled tropical tune begs for dance-floor
action. The hopeful title track keeps up the seductive dance grooves
fusing elements of rock and tropical flavors that recall bachata master
Juan Luis Guerra. But beyond party tunes, Bacilos also take time for
reflective tunes. "Solo un Segundo," which soars with its
almost rap-like precision lyrics and lovely harmonies, takes on the
memories that came in a second, but last a lifetime. Taking page from
the Beatles' pop melodies book, "Nadas Special" combines relaxed
rhythms and catchy harmonies while singing about the end of the world.
Superbly talented and rapidly maturing, and now winning Grammys, Bacilos
is a player to watch. -- Review by Ramiro Burr
CD Grandes Exitos [2006]
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CD | CD Bacilos [2001]
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CD | CD Sin verguenza [2004]
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CD
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Juanes
(Colombia)
CD Un día
normal [2002] LISTEN
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CD REVIEW: Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes's second solo
album is many things: poetic, lyrical, heartfelt, and intelligent. Ordinary,
however, would not be among the list of adjectives. The humble title,
Un Día Normal, is more a description of the album's overall
themes. It's a slicker and catchier collection than Juanes's politically
minded 2000 album Fijate Bien, which earned seven Latin Grammy
nominations and tons of critical attention. Un Día Normal
finds the former member of rock outfit Ekhymosis contemplating
an array of inner emotions--primarily life, love, and loss--all anchored
by Gustavo Santaolalla's tight, precise production work. "La Unica"
is a sweet and tuneful love letter, while "Mala Gente" finds
Juanes damning a cruel lover to hell--literally. "A Dios le Pido"
is an intoxicating swirl of cumbia, reggae, and folk rhythms, but it's
the bittersweet duet "Fotografia" that truly soars. Juanes's
unassuming vocal style is the perfect complement to Canadian songbird
Nelly Furtado's lilting soprano, creating a shining moment among an
already impressive collection of gems. -- Review by Joey Guerra
CD Mi
sangre [2004] LISTEN
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CD | CD Fijate bien [2000]
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CD
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Los
Angeles Azules
(Mexico):
CD Historia musical
[2001] LISTEN
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CD | CD Alas al mundo
[2003] LISTEN
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CD | CD Frente a frente:
Los rescatadores de la cumbia [2001] LISTEN
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CD
Browse or buy Los Angeles Azules CDs
at amazon
Los
Bukis (Mexico)
Browse or buy Los Bukis
CDs at amazon
Lisandro
Meza (Colombia)
CD Amor lindo
[1998] LISTEN
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CD | CD
Made in Colombia [2002] LISTEN
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CD | CD
El sabanero mayor [1995] LISTEN
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CD
Browse or buy Lisandro Meza CDs at amazon
Banda
Ráfaga (Argentina)
CD Todavía
hay amor [1999] LISTEN
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CD
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Antonio
Ríos (Argentina)
Browse or buy Antonio Ríos
CDs at amazon
Carlos
Vives (Colombia)
CD El Rock de
mi pueblo [2004] LISTEN
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CD REVIEW: Rock, vallaneto, cumbia,
ska, zydeco, and more fuel Colombian singer/songwriter Carlos Vives's
latest party, aptly titled Rock de mi Pueblo. From the festive
opening track "Como Tu," Vives bounces nonstop among rhythms,
music styles, and instruments to keep the celebration running red-hot.
On "La Maravilla," Vives sings about a woman who knows how
to enjoy life while his band fuses cumbia dance grooves. Heavy percussions
drive "Gallito de Caramelo," a rocking tune about willing
to go anywhere to wait for the right person. Vives slows the pace on
the melancholy ballad "Voy A Olvidarme de mi," with its where-are-you-now
lament. While mixing folk vallenato with rock is his specialty, this
collection is Vives's most energetic, fusing blues-rock sentiment, more
electric guitars and tribal fever for an instant winner. -- Review
by Ramiro Burr
CD El amor de mi tierra [1999]
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CD REVIEW: Colombian singer Carlos
Vives continues his exploration of the sounds of his homeland on El
Amor de Mi Tierra, a lush collection that also includes rumba, cumbia,
and Caribbean rhythms anchored by an earthy, folksy flavor. Vives, a
former television actor, polishes it with a glowing pop sheen, thanks
to solid production from Latin-music mogul Emilio Estefan. The pair
work wonderfully together on tracks such as "Tu Amor Eterno,"
"El Cante," "La Receta," and especially "Fruta
Fresca," a desperately romantic moment that has become Vives's
biggest radio hit. Vocally, Vives keeps his delivery suitably grounded,
working within the infectious rhythms of the music instead of fighting
against it or struggling to remain on top. It makes for a consistently
engaging, refreshingly uncomplicated musical experience. -- Review
by Joey Guerra
CD Clasicos de la provincia [2000]
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CD | CD Déjame entrar
[2001]
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CD | CD 20 de coleccion
[1994] LISTEN
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CD | CD Déjame entrar
[2001] LISTEN
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CD | CD Tierra del olvido
[2000] LISTEN
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CD | CD Tengo Fé
[1997] LISTEN
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CD
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