Susana Baca – Palabras Urgentes (Real World Records, 2021)
On Palabras Urgentes (urgent words), acclaimed Afro-Peruvian singer Susana Baca selected songs by iconic songwriters from the Spanish-speaking world, including the influential Chabuca Granda (Argentina) and Tite Curet (Puerto Rico). These are songs that celebrate the vitality of the people of Latin America and their struggles.
On the music side, this is one of Susana’s best albums. She conceived the songs and brought in visionary and talented American musician and composer Michael League (Snarky Puppy).
Palabras Urgentes features fantastic musicianship, masterfully-crafted arrangements, irresistible rhythms, and a wonderful mix of Peruvian and Argentine traditional music, salsa and various other influences from South America and the Caribbean.
Lineup: Susana Baca on vocals; Oscar Huaranga on double bass and batácajón; Hugo Bravo on cajón, congas, jembe, kaxixi, cajita, quijada, and campana; Enrique Purizaga on marimba de agua and piano; Ernesto Hermosa on acoustic guitar; Marielena Pacheco on violin; Aaron Abuid on soprano and alto saxophone; Abiud Mucha on soprano and tenor saxophone; Felix Ayllón on alto saxophone; Jeff Coffin on alto flute, tenor saxophone, whistles; Carolina Araoz on tenor saxophone; Becca Stevens on charango; Magda Giannikou on accordion; Rodrigo Castillo, spoken word; Daniela Ghersi, choir director; Paola Cuadros, choir director; Music Solutions, choir and voices; and Michael League on riq, dohola, darbuka, electric guitar, and vocals.
More about Susana Baca
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.