Manuel Obregón y la Orquesta de la Papaya
Manuel Obregón y la Orquesta de la Papaya (Papaya Music, 2002)
Manuel Obregón y la Orquesta de la Papaya are leading the way for world music in Central America. Based in Costa Rica, the musicians behind the project have started a label that is releasing great roots music ignored by the major labels in Central America.
The CD by Manuel Obregón y la Orquesta de la Papaya travels across Central America, exposing the sounds of various cultures and ethnicities. They cover the fiery rhythms of Panama and Honduras, the African-rooted songs from Belize, the more melodic sounds of Costa Rica and traditional songs from Guatemala and El Salvador.
The group uses the accordion, Panamanian folk violin, Nicaraguan marimba, electric guitar and piano as leading instruments, with a powerful rhythm section of Garifuna drums from Belize and earthen jugs of Guatemala, as well as other instruments.
The folk violin of Panama, the Garifuna drums of Belize, the marimbas of Nicaragua and the come together in the most interesting musical experiment on the isthmus.
Manuel Obregón and la Orquesta de la Papaya are carrying out an admirable job and deserve the support of the international world music community.
Get the CDs at: CD Baby or www.papayamusic.com.
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.
