Every Monday on Sound Travels we get at the week that was by sticking it with music thats just come to be. New Music, that is. And this Monday we heard a tasty batch of mostly Latin tunes with some otherworldliness from a fascinating Israeli band whose sound is totally new to me.
The first song on Monday was from the latest Gilles Peterson production, Havana Cultura: The Search Continues, which is the second release in a two part store. Gilles teamed up with jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca in search of best up-and-coming artists in Havana, like Danay Suarez, Ogguere, Golpe Seko, Kola Loka and the artist I played for you today Arema Arega. The resulting sound represents the ‘mezcla perfecta’ distinctive of La Habana, including the polyrhythms of salsa, jazz, funk, rumba, reggaeton and hip-hop. Tasty.
Arema Arega "Ay" Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura: The Search Continues
Roots Reggae right now seems to be everywhere else other than Jamaica these days, at least the classic vibes it seems. Latin and South America in particular, are all about reggae however. Add Chilean Quique Neira to the list of good ones. Apparently, Quique has been around since the 1990's and has won awards for his sound and was formerly in the band Gondwana and Bamboo. His new album Alma, is mellow and melodic roots reggae that rides a vibe that needs no translation. To preview the album, peep the Soundcloud page for Quique...
Quique Neira "Un Poquito De Ti" Alma
Mestizaje is how I would describe the sound of Che Sudaka; a bit of rock, ska and reggae in one incredibly fun band whose members are based in Spain, but hail from Colombia and Argentina. Their new album 10 is emphatically dope. Their high energy sound is in full force and the album has several bright spots and definitely deserves a few listens. Not only that, but it's free, so grab it!
Che Sudaka "10" 10
Last but not the least of the new tunes we heard was a superb Israeli ensemble Yemen Blues. Led by Yemenite Israeli singer Ravid Kahalani, and with member also hailing from Uruguay, the band explores a hypnotic, hybridized version of traditional Yemeni Jewish ritual music - with a propulsive rock beat, swirling Afro-jazz rhythms and flourishes of Latin percussion. The sound is otherworldly and completely original as well as highly recommended.
Yemen Blues "Eli" Y emen Blues
