Putumayo World Café
Putumayo, 2021
9/10
The Putumayo label celebrates singer-songwriters across the globe on this very diverse collection, where artists you just might hear at a cafe are present and bring their well thought out and eclectic song craft to the worldly affair.
Wally Warning (Aruba) starts the listen with the warm accordion and soulful, soothing vocals of “E Ta Gia Mi”, where light melodies flow with much breeziness in the tropical flavor, and Miroca Paris (Cabo Verde) follows with precise strings, cultured percussion and a meditative quality to the elegance that calls for worldwide peace in “Mund Amor”.
Closer to the middle, Alessandro D’Orazi (Italy) flows with cautious acoustic guitar as folk qualities enter the cozy “Profumo di Caffé”, while Constance Amiot and JP Nataf (France) offer “Résonances”, where the bi-lingual approach is packed with hushed beauty and playful, quick songwriting. Idan Raichel’s (Israel) “Achshav Nish’arnu Shney’nu”, an album standout, then bring atmosphere and eloquence to a soaring backdrop of sublime, radiant textures you won’t forget anytime soon.
Further yet, the bouncy and laid back “Choukoun” showcases Carlton Rara’s (Haiti/France) diverse skills amid spirited guitars and island influenced drumming, and Dom La Nena (Brazil) finishes the listen with an infectious melody and sweet singing as marching band style drumming complements the universally adorable exit.
In keeping with the café theme, there’s even recipes included in the packaging, as well as a very formal download card and eye catching artwork, making this yet another top notch various artists release from Putumayo that any fan of music from across the globe will enjoy.
Travels well with: Putumayo- Yoga Dreamland; Putumayo- New Orleans Mambo: Cuba To NOLA