Big Band Latin - Various Artists

Advantages: The grooves go on and on
Disadvantages:

...This latest volume of the New Testament of Funk from Acid Jazz records features some great tracks that cover many different dance genres from, big beat to jazz and hip hop so it is bound to have something to get even the most reticent of dancers moving. Personal favourites are the storming opener "The Piper Cherokee" by The Bobby Hughes Experience, "Amber Flash" by That Girl Lynn and the Latin groove of "Mosquito Coast 2000" from Mr Gone. Special mention should be given to the album closer "Clowns" from E & E Sounds who mix up the Stephen Sondheim classic with some seriously chopped up breakbeats which if you think about it should not really work but does surprisingly well.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: musical variety
Disadvantages: there won't be any more like this

...Selena Quintanilla Perez was murdered by her fan club president in 1995 at the tender age of 24. She had been a latin music superstar for years, having begun touring with her family band as a child. Her death was mourned by millions in the latin countries - yet in the UK noone has heard of her. Even today, she still outsells Ricky Martin, Marky Antony and Enrique Iglesias. She performed duets with big US names, including David Byrne. She sang in spanish for most of her career but was planning a crossover album and tour for the English language market when she was killed. I have to steal someone else's turn of phrase to describe her voice as I have never heard anything else that can describe her: a tangible throb. She could rock and roll with the best of them, belting out Donna Summer hits, switch to cheeky, chirpy latino rhythmic stuff... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Expertedly produced, features diverse world music styles, wonderfully addictive
Disadvantages: Too short

...of traditional sounds of various countries. In 'Politik Society', African beats support Latin banjo's and trumpets. Similarly, the opening track 'Absence Heard Presence Felt' features Asian strings, as well as heavy hip-hop inspired bass. He incorporates the voices of rap artist Ohmega Watts, as well as the lead vocalist from acclaimed urban jazz band "The Rebirth", Noelle Scaggs. As with "The 5th Exotic", Holland is evidently describing his varied travels, delivering it with an extremely cool and addictive musical experience. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ...THE TRACKS... 'Absence Heard Presence Felt' The opening track has a distinct Asian feel, beginning with delicate Chinese strings, which sound as if they are radiating from old, dusty speakers. It is soon interrupted with some abrubt soulful... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful