Rooted in Mallorca folk tradition and funked up to just the right degree, “Sa Ximbomba” is the latest gem from U.K. band Periscopi Invertit.
Mediterranean Update
Author: Tom Orr
Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Tasty Menu
An array of Latin American music styles are seamlessly fused on “Latin Café 2.0,” a cool/warm/hot piece of work by Malamañoso out of Italy.
An Earful of Joy
Colombia’s La Capi smiles her way through the video for her pan-Caribbean track “Cantar,” and rightly so. It’s all about singing joyously no matter what,…
In a Jam and Loving it
My very rudimentary knowledge of Spanish is at least enough to grasp that a descarga is a musical jam session with distinct Cuban roots. Drummer…
A Long Rewarding Run
Jumping nimbly from reggae to Afrobeat within its lengthy running time, “Attic Night” shows Spain’s El Globo to be a band with chops and versatility.
Sonic Safe Space
Modern jazz, flamenco and Arabic modalities and a message of peace and safety combine to make “Amann Amann” by French artist Siwane a tune filled…
No Virtuous Woman
The U.K.’s Stuart Wilson has some stern words for “Jezebel,” and his warning is fueled by a ska beat with blues inflections that not only…
Walk This Way
“The Right Path” by the U.S.A.’s Naya Rockers blends unfailingly conscious lyrics, passionate lead and harmony vocals and a sway that melodically links roots reggae…
Dual South American Sizzle
Should you be in need of a pulsating, exhilarating mix of Brazilian forró and Colombian cumbia, “Anunciaçǎo” by the USA’s big beet will handily satisfy…
Quite Cool
Puerto Rican-born and currently based in Ohio, guitarist Victor Samalot shows some expert chops of both the mellow and soaring kind throughout “Que Chilero,” a…