MARCH 1 2007

Mariza "Concerto Em Lisboa"
(Times Square Records / Portugal)
Recorded in 2005, ‘Concerto em Lisboa’ took place in the gardens in front of the Torre de Belém (Belem Tower), a famous and beautiful neighbourhood of Lisbon. It contains not only stunning “live” interpretations of the songs from ‘Transparente’ but also most of Mariza’s well known songs from her first and second albums, re-arranged for orchestra.

Andy Palacio "Watina"
(Cumbancha Records / Belize)
Each track on Wátina is based on a traditional Garifuna rhythm and all of the lyrics are in the Garifuna tongue—a unique and endangered language whose root is Arawak influenced by Carib, French, and, possibly, West African languages. Palacio is one of those rare musicians with one foot in the world of cultural diplomacy and another foot on the performance stage.

Omar Sosa "Day Off" EP
(Emerging Artist Records / Cuba)
Omar Sosa is one of the most versatile jazz artists on the scene today: composer, arranger, producer, pianist, percussionist, and bandleader. He fuses a wide range of world music and electronic elements with his native Afro-Cuban roots to create a fresh and original urban sound - all with a Latin jazz heart.

Ozomatli-"Don't Mess With The Dragon"
(Concord Records / USA)
Don’t Mess With the Dragon is the fifth full length release by LA-based Ozomatli. The CD is fulled with furiously upbeat and politically centered lyrics as the band shifts comfortably from rock to rap to blues to traditional Latin sounds in an entertaining revue showcasing its talent and open-mindedness.

Urban Legend-"Tranquilidad Cubana"
(Blind Lemon Records / Cuba & USA)
Recorded in Havana, Los Angeles and New York, The Urban Legend sound is an eclectic mix of various Cuban styles with an infusion of Electronica, Lounge and Hip Hop. A diverse cast of more than 20 top musicians were involved in the recording of this record. The result is a funky Cuban re-mix sound, perfect to accompany the drinking of mojitos, dancing or just watching the sunset.

Various Artists-"A New Groove"
(Putumayo Records / Various)
On A New Groove, Putumayo continues its exploration of new sounds by collecting tracks from a variety of DJs, producers and musicians who may have started out as bedroom producers but have transmitted themselves far beyond the confines of those four walls.

Vusi Mahlasela-"Guiding Star"
(ATO Records / South Africa)
On Guiding Star, the South African folk artist grants listeners continued access to an experience that, for many, will be diametrically opposite to their own. Mahlasela provides the chance to peer into the soul of a people whose journey has left them weary yet proud, realistic yet hopeful.