The Latin American collective Yerba Buena was organized by producer and multi-instrumentalist Andr?s Levin (Ely Guerra, El Gran Silencio, Aterciopelados), a native Venezuelan who'd appeared on records by Marisa Monte, Arto Lindsay, and Tina Turner, as well as helming the critically acclaimed Fela Kuti tribute Red Hot + Riot.

Yerba Buena arose from Levin's wish to bring together a band capable of melding forms old and new, learning from each other in the form of a school. Gradually, the lineup coalesced, including vocalists Xiomara Laugart, Cucu Diamantes, and El Chino, percussionist Pedro Martinez, reed player Ron Blake, trumpeter Rashawn Ross, bassist Sebastian Steinberg, drummers Terreon "Tank" Gully and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez. After dates supporting the Dave Matthews Band, Yerba Buena signed to Razor & Tie and released their 2003 debut, President Alien.

Just as Yerba Buena?s acclaimed live shows are known as a place where a wealth of eclectic special guests often join in, it seemed natural to continue that spirit on Island Life. ?To me, Yerba Buena is like a caravan, and I conceived this record as a sort of stage revue or film soundtrack to the urban travels of that caravan- with many cameo appearances from special musicians we find along the way.? This staggeringly diverse lineup of guests include John Leguizamo, Flamenco singer El Cigala, Les Nubians, urban merengue stars Fulanito, Cuban rappers Orishas, Joe Bataan, M1 of Dead Prez, Gypsy rumba star Peret & Ile Aye, Gogol Bordello, Rosie De Palma & more.

Whether musically, or vocally, each guest is a character actor bringing something fresh to the Yerba Buena production, like comedian John Leguizamo as the ?Sugar Daddy? without a walletful of cash, vibing with Les Nubians and a sample of the late, great Celia Cruz. Between-tracks interludes feature guest narrators like actor Ajay Naidu, as Dr. Aneub Abrey (Yerba Buena spelled backwards), dispensing advice on how to cope with day-to-day island life in Manhattan. The presence of the awe-inspiring flamenco singer Diego El Cigala, the legendary gypsy rumba vocalist Peret, and Pedro Almod?var fixture Rosi De Palma, gives some tracks a decidedly flamenco-fusion feel. But Levin also keeps the progressive urban flavor out front by showcasing rappers M1 of Dead Prez, Fulanito, and Orishas, as well as Spanish Harlem boogaloo pioneer Joe Bataan.