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 Woman on Top - Various Artists
The soundtrack from Woman on Top, starring Madrid-born bombshell Penelope Cruz as the beauty and brains behind a popular cooking show, is the perfect introduction to the Brazilian sound--and just might live up to the label's promise that it's "destined to bring Bossa Nova music to the world". The highly listenable album features contemporary Brazilian artists such as singer-songwriter Lenine; pop-rocker Joao Gilberto sound-alike Paulinho Moska; and the three-DJ collective Bossa Cuca Nova putting a new spin on a classic Geraldo Pereira tune. It also includes gems such as Maria Creuza and her delicately wavering voice, and guitarist Dori Caymmi performing one of his father's songs. Mellow yet upbeat, it's relaxation music that won't put you to sleep. |
 Como Ama una Mujer - Jennifer Lopez
Acknowledged as the most influential Hispanic artist of our time, it is perhaps surprising it took so long for Jennifer to release this collection of Spanish language ballads and marketed it as a return to her roots. Her first album in Spanish includes ballads about pain and deliverance, but is often overproduced (four tracks feature the strings of the London Symphony Orchestra) and whiff of the forgettable exotic. The single "Que Hiciste" is a rump shaking dance floor filler but too often interrupted with clumsy guitar solos. This album is an essentially an easy, if classy, listening exercise. It does prove conclusively that Lopez can sing.
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 Momento - Bebel Gilberto
Three discs into her acclaimed solo career, it's a no-brainier that the Brazilian pop charms of Bebel Gilberto will conjure a slew of beach-inspired adjectives. Momento continues Gilberto's trend of crafting sultry scenes of afternoon delight via tunes that both adhere to traditions and sound ultra-modern. But she also mixes things up a bit in the process. Gilberto's sensual delivery - featured here in English & Portuguese - hovers in and around each song, more an extension of the rhythms than the showpiece. She again blends bossa nova, samba, pop and electronica flourishes, but no one genre overpowers any other. Gilberto coos amid the catchy club flavour of "Bring Back the Love," and the moonlit "Close to You". The daughter of Brazilian guitarist Joao Gilberto even tackles Cole Porter's "Night and Day," recasting it as a hushed moment of bossa loveliness..
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 La llave de mi Corazon - Juan Luis Guerra
Juan Luis Guerra has earned recognition as a major artist who transcends the meringue and salsa music, which he plays so well. He creates universally beautiful and joyful music for a world audience. This collection of his love songs is a great introduction to his work. These are artfully written songs with profound lyrics, and you can dance to most of them. What else can you say? For one thing, he writes about deep, spiritual love and he doesn't seem to have a sour note or mean bone in his body. For English speakers, this is also a good way to improve your Spanish and learn some colourful Dominican terms for birds, voodo charms, herbs, tropical trees and other lovely things. |
 K.O.B. Live - Aventura
Bachata supergroup Aventura has never been shy about its musical prowess. In fact, the K.O.B. in this disc's title stands for "Kings of Bachata," and the cover shot pays homage to a certain fab foursome. A heady rep, to be sure, but Aventura backs it up with solid, sexy tunes and equally compelling showmanship. K.O.B. Live mixes old favourites, new tracks and live footage, giving fans the full package. The live bits were recorded at Madison Square Garden, a nice homecoming for the Bronx, New York-based group. Tunes such as "Los Infieles" and "Llorar" can-and do-induce swoons. |
 Tango Notturno - Fabian Carbone
This concept album, attempting to cover the tango not only as an Argentine art form, has been superbly conceived. Everyone is at his or her peak, with due live passion to spare.
The only quibble lies in Ms. Bayrakdarian unidiomatic Spanish. Granted, it is very difficult to sing those 'rrrrs'. Also, the soprano's voice seems too beautiful for the built-up force of the last song (Rinascero). A great success came from the arrangements by pianist Kradjian. Truly wonderful, unobtrusive and totally idiomatic. All in all, a wonderful release worth having. |
 Valio la Pena - Marc Anthony
Valio La Pena (Worth the Pain) is the companion CD to Amar and is spiced-up with Anthony's reliable blend of brass and percussion. If you are thinking that the second of the two albums, is a faster, hotter, more energetic remix of the first? For die-hard salsa fans, the answer is a resounding 'si, señor' |
 Bachata #1's - Various artists
As the title suggests, "Bachata #1's" is a compilation of some great bachata hits, I recommend this CD for lovers of Bachata music as well dances. The CD includes some of today's greatest bachateros, including Aventura, Monchy & Alexandra, Alex Bueno, Xtreme, and Frank Reyes. Of course there will always be some great artists and hits omitted, but this is a great start and a great intro CD. |
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