The Whole Music Experience

Conjunto Jardìn Yerba Buena Trova Recordings California-based Conjunto Jardìn has released its third son jarocho recording, Yerba Buena . Led by vocalists and lute-playing sisters, Libby and Cindy Harding, this group does not just deliver the traditional Mexican jarocho, but Pan-American music complete with Andean pipes on La Culebra , salsa rhythms on Fandanguito de los Muertos , and Colombian rhythms on El Ahualulco . You might not call it pure traditional, but this music is purely delightful. La Vieja features lush call & response vocals with added guest vocalists, Mari Riddle and Ericka Verba. And following that song, is the groovy cover of Procol Harum's Conquistador with Gary Johnson's 70s psychedelic organ booming throughout. Fandanguito de los Muertos (mentioned earlier), offers two musical genres for the price of one, ending out with rousing salsa. Just as other journalists have noted, this music does present a lot of twists and turns, as well as, ...

Bachata Roja (Various) Acoustic Bachata From the Cabaret Era Iaso Records Bachata Roja brings us classic acoustic bachata from the early 60s to the late 80s. This rustic music that hails from the Dominican Republic countryside (later immigrated to the cities), draws comparisons with the Cuban son. Similar to other Latin music traditions, rhythm performed on percussion, or the strums and rapid guitar riffs, keeps this music alive and snappy. Bachata Roja , a collection of some of bachata's stellar vocalists, composers and guitarists, provides us with historical and cultural notes from a politically challenging time for the Dominicans. But you would never guess in listening to these driving rhythms, sprite vocals, and double entendres. Despite some of the lyrics which reflect on some of the less acceptable societal behaviors, I find this music sunny and invigorating. And I am not the only one who finds this music invigorating since this CD has reaped its share of critical k...