Cape Verde music reviews

Numerous South and Central American folk albums have flooded stores in the past decade as our hunger for the exotic grows, too many to count. Even the number of albums alone named El Condor Pasa can be confusing and distracting. What if someone were to tell you to ignore them all except this one?

This is the album lost in the shuffle of Peruvian, Argentinian and Paraguay music that would be a shame to have missed. Don't believe me? Click on the download samples above and you will hear music that has the heart and soul of the Indian and Mestizo musicians who peformed for the recording. Still don't believe me? Compare the music to any of the other South American folk albums mass produced; feel the rythm and tempo that comes from only those who have passion for their music and its history. There are no lackluster performances on the entire album. Where other albums seem to be dominated by the obvious Pipa flute with a guitar or two to complement or even a "New Age" synthesizer to eradicate any traditional sound , El Condor Pasa reverts to traditional and fun music: miniature ensembles of mariachi guitars of all sizes, a harp-like instrument (zither?) that is invigorating and enchanting, and talented flutists who play in perfect symphony.

Worth it's weight in gold, El Condor Pasa is a steal from Laserlight, it's manufacturer. El Condor Pasa is a journey far south of the border; you can almost visualize Spanish colonial plazas filled with campesinos and young couples courting in the shade of ancient trees. Don't let this treasure slip through your fingers.

The CD is great and your delivery of this item was exceptional!! I was just as excited when I ordered an iDog through you, I just wish that I had actually received it and could have continued my level of enthusiasm for Amazon.com!!

I'm sorry, but I don't think I will be ordering anything through you for my convenience anymore because this iDog thing cost me more money and aggrevation than if I had just gone out and bought the darn thing myself! But I do have to say that you do have some pretty unusual merchandise that I may consider ordering in the future, but it's going to be a while.

You guys used to be AWESOME!!!! What happened???

I'm putting the iDog issue in this review because I'm pretty sure I won't be getting an email asking me to review my iDog order!! Sorry.

On the Pacific coast of Peru, a African music has survived in spite of repression by the Europeans. Drums and marimbas were forbidden because they "generate trance-like states and are the work of the devil." As a substitute, unique instruments were created out of everyday materials and developed into unique instruments that have remained a staple of Afro-Peruvian rhythm. Pepe Vasquez with his smokey voice is the undisputed star of this particular music. Brimming with explosive energy, he mixes the Lando and Festejo styles with dynamic Salsa grooves. His songs "No Valentin", "Ritmo de Negros" and "Zamba malato" have become Afro-Caribbean hymns. This CD is a portrait of some of his finest music together with several new recordings, and presents this undisputed star of Afro-Peruvian music to an international audience for the first time.

While I was on the J&R website browsing through the Peruvian music section,I was surprised to find a CD that was recorder by Pepe Vasquez, since I haven't heard any of his songs in a long time.I always heard that Pepe Vasquez was one of the great musicians of "musica criolla" in my country,but I was never noticed his talent as a musician whenever I listened to him, since in Peru, pretty much the only songs you'll hear of him playing on the radios are, No Valentin, and Jippy Jai.But when I heard the songs on this CD, I was absolutely blown away... since it was the first time I heard other songs sang by Pepe.Songs like "Ritmo de Negros," "No Valentin," and "Zamba Malato," are classics of Afro-Peruvian music, and are also sang by popular Peruvian singers such as Eva Ayllon, Arturo Cavero, Susana Baca, etc.This CD is a great example of Afro-Peruvian music.As you'll hear this CD, you'll notice that the beat is much more faster than the regular Peruvian "Musica Criolla." The implementation of the Congas are also another thing that differentiates Afro-Peruvian music, from "Musica Criolla," since in both music styles, the Peruvian cajon is used. Now I know why Pepe Vasquez is one of Peru's most respected Afro-Peruvian singers.. His voice will absolutely lead you to dance to every song of this CD, and the chorus compliment him perfectly... I was glad to find this CD on sale because it serves as a sign that Peruvian folklore music's not mainly Indian music from the Andes, but it also comprises from the two main musical styles from the Peruvian coast, the Musica Criolla, and the Afro-Peruvian music. This CD is a MUST HAVE for any fan of Afro-Latin American music, and Africana fan.

N?toni denti D?Oro (= Antonio with the golden tooth) is the only male performer of the old Capeverdean tradition of batuku. Here, he presents this style in both it varieties, sambuna and finason.
His group includes the rare cimboa, a one-string fiddle, which very few knows how to play properly today. N?toni (77 years old) is the rock star of the batukaderas - I saw him on a concert in Cape Verde - impressing! The girls were shaking, drumming to his directions.
The lyrics in batuku are about historical matters and more educational or moral advice. N?toni sticks to tradition. He prefers to stay away from politics. This is a very good introduction into batuku. I also recommend: Terrero?s CD: Xubenga.
Want to know more about batuku? http://home.no.net/oaa/batuku.htm

I have listened to only parts of this album (at luciapulido.com), but I have seen Lucia perform live at Joe's Pub. She is a skilled guitarist and a wonderful departure from the typical music scene. Her voice is a cry and a lullaby, a fiery calm. I highly recommend her as one of the best-kept secrets of NYC.

I first played this one while I was working, and only half-listening... but it grabbed my ears and I had to go sit down and listen to it -- its just beautiful!
The first 7 selections comprise a Catholic Folk Mass, all done in the Andean style with Folk instruments, and the vocals of Mauricio Venegas-Astorga are among the best I have heard in Andean music ( and I have a big collection!) The music varies from slow-moving to very bright and fast. Music is a subjective thing, very much in the "ear of the beholder", but I believe this CD will be appreciated by anyone who has enjoyed the Andean style, and by many others as well.
I did not like the second section ( Part 2, # 8 - 12) as well, thus my 4 stars instead of a full 5. However, that section is still above average in my opinion.

In the wake of the controversy of Chavez, the social unrest and the political oppression of Venezuela we forget the other significant aspects of the culture. Specifically, the beautiful gaitas, serenatas (serenades), llaneras and other traditional folk music. Irene Farrera, a resident of Eugene, Oregon, performed at the Northwest Folklife Festival last year and that was my first exposure to her and her music. Since I was raised in Seattle and had no exposure to the culture of my father I jumped at the chance to see her. I have to say, I was deeply moved. She performed many of the songs off of this album and absolutely transfixed the audience with her deep voice and soulful renditions of traditional Venezuelan songs.

"La Bella del Tamunague" (The Beautiful Woman of the Tamanague)kicks this album off on a wonderfully rhythmic note. You immediately feel the heartbeat of the music, almost like she is in the same room singing directly to you. Some of the other songs I would like to highlight are "Serenata," the title cut which is absolutely luscious, "El Brujo de la Sabana (The Witch of the Savanna)," a lively joropo with upbeat maracas, and "Sabana--Tonada de Luna Llena (Savanna--Songs for the Full Moon)," a beautiful serenade that closes the album.

If anything, these songs are a great cross section of authentic Venezuelan sounds. Those of you who have never heard Venezuelan music will be enchanted, and those who are familiar with it will recognize these popular tunes.

I think this is a good example of the coastal music of Venezuela with all the African influence that is commonly seen there. However, the few joropos (folk music from the plains) in this CD are not well performed. Overall, it is an OK CD.

Venezuelan music has different roots and rhythms. This one has a definite Venezuelan touch, with a more rapid rhythm than music from the plain, I should say a more costal beat than other Venezuelan traditional music. It is very dynamic but never hypnotic. Good singing, good humor and happy mood, different from the deeper nostalgic music from the plains (musica llanera). Although having no vested interest in that CD manufacturer, I would say that regardless of the price it is worth getting if you like South American music. Now when you start looking at the price, you realize the bargain this CD is.

This CD, that you can reach with the "los Masis" research has nothing to share with the Los Masis of Sucre, Bolivia but the fact that it is Andean Music.

If You are searching a CD of Andean music it's good. If you are searching something from Los Masis, search something else.

Cream of the titles? Perhaps. It should be interpreted by people with a genuine Venezuelean touch. You can do better with other records out there.

If you're not sure, don't take a chance on this one.