JUNE 1 2007Fanfare Ciocarlia "Queens and Kings"
(Asphalt-Tango Records / Romania)
FANFARE CIOCARLIA travelled throughout Europe to record with musicians from the continent’s extended Romany community. Overcoming borders and visas, foreign tongues and rhythms, more than two dozen musicians from France to Bulgaria came together to create “Queens and Kings” an extraordinary celebration of Gypsy songs.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra "United We Swing"
(Six Degrees Records / USA)
Spanish Harlem Orchestra's United We Swing does more than just make you want to dance. The joyous collection will likely incite a full-scale house party, complete with flowy dresses, sparkly jewelry, and silky, unbuttoned shirts. AMAZON.COM
Benjamin Escoriza "Alevanta"
(Riverboat Records / Granada)
Alevanta!, the debut solo project from Radio Tarifa leader Benjamin Escoriza, would go great with with a double espresso. The 11-track disc plays like one of those tasteful samplers of esoteric Latin sounds you hear in an upscale coffee shop--or at a swanky, multicultural gala. AMAZON.COM
Ola Fresca "Revolution"
(Pipiki Records / Japan & USA)
OLA FRESCA – it means “fresh wave” -- is the name of the band. Founded in 2000 by singer-composer-lyricist and arranger Jose Conde, Ola Fresca features some of the best musicians in New York City, coming together for a fresh take on rootsy, funky, jazzy, Latin dance music.
Wax Poetic "Brazil"
(Nublu Records / USA)
The New York trip-hop outfit Wax Poetic came together in 1997 under the reign of Turkish-born music guru Ilhan Ersahin who is still a current member (tenor and keys). The group originated at the popular and now-defunct club Save the Robots, and consisted of a volatile group of musicians jamming together to create a heavy groove of drum 'n' bass blended with quick dance elements.