Afro-Cubano
Putumayo, 2022
8/10
A very enlightening listen that follows the cultural dispersion from Africa to the Caribbean, the 10 tracks here are very distinctly different, but come together to form a very cohesive listen of worldly flavor.
Manu Dibango’s “Bessoka (Version Courte)” opens the listen with warm keys and cultured percussion to complement the talk/singing that recruits no shortage of laidback grooves, and Eneida Marta follows with “Dur Di Kutubel”, where expressive singing and plenty of rhythm enters the Afro-Portuguese climate.
At the midpoint, “Femme Noire”, by Meissa, brings both violin and kora into the very poetic delivery, while Rey Cabrera’s “Paraiso Guajiro” showcases piano, bongos, congas and trumpets in the superbly textured album highlight.
Approaching the end, “Santomense” illustrates the guitarist Neto Amado’s incredible skill amid the bright horns, and Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca exit with a mashing of African rumba and soukous with Cuban salsa for the festive “N’dona Ponte”.
A musically fantastic affair that comes with excellent artwork, a detailed booklet and download card, wherever in the world Putumayo decides to shine a light, they uncover gems that deserve much attention.
Travels well with: World Chill; Acoustic Paris