Colombia’s Javi Carabalí offers his “Corazón Espinado,” and does so with soaring Santana-like guitar leads, a driving Latin rock feel and refreshingly non-glossy production values.…
Stimulating Rock Latino by Javi Carabalí
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.
Irresistible Latin Jazz by Percussionist Nique Quentin
Netherlands-based conguero and bandleader Nique Quentin has a Latin jazz scorcher called “Vámonos de Rumba” that serves as a handy reminder of how lively and…
Eric Wink Reimagines Bossa Nova
American multi-instrumentalist Eric Wink does a bright and engaging take on the classic bossa nova style with “Inconsolable,” a swinging piece featuring perfectly suited vocals…
The Achill Sound Reinvent Irish Folk
Originating from an island off Ireland’s west coast, The Achill Sound gives a darker take on traditional Irish balladry but achieves the best of both…
Lovely Bolero by Indy Fontaine
Cuban/American Indy Fontaine delivers pure beauty throughout the flute-punctuated bolero “El Amor No Alcanza,” an original work that sounds like a pleasant remnant of a…
Safar Republique’s Afro-Rooted “Progress”
Is it ironic that a track called “Progress” is hard to classify? The work of Belgium’s Safar Republique, the piece is African in its rhythmic…
Patricia Moreno’s Jazz Coated Afro Grooves
An immediately insistent groove, African roots, brightly energetic vocals, jazz layering and a positive message combine to make “Niñas Arriba (Rise Up Girls)” by Venezuelan…
High Energy Riddims by Naya Rockers
The latest in a string of potent reggae tracks advocating growth of one’s mind, “Higher Education” by America’s Naya Rockers features the rich family bloodline…
Bianca Rastafiore’s Swinging Bossa Nova
A name like Bianca Rastafiore suggests a reggae connection, but the Cape Verdean singer going by that name is instead behind “Elle Fait Les Courses…
Frenchie King’s Enticing Classic Roots Reggae
“When Will We Learn?” is the well-worth-answering question posed by the U.K.’s Frenchie King. He does so in a classic roots reggae style, ever an…