Search - Putumayo Presents :: Radio Latino

On Radio Latino, Putumayo returns to its Latin roots with this collection of contemporary musicians standing at the forefront of the thriving Rock en Espanol/Latin Alternative movement. Most of these musicians are household names within their home countries, but have yet to realize their full potential in the rest of the world. In 2003, Time magazine called Orishas one of the 10 most important groups outside the US, alongside U2 and Radiohead. Their song Reina de la Calle fuses traditional acoustic Cuban instruments playing son and guajira rhythms as a foundation with layered hip-hop samples, R&B vocals and rap verses to create a sound that is truly unique. An accomplished singer-songwriter and one of Spain's brightest new stars, Bebe emerged from relative obscurity in 2005 after five Latin Grammy nominations made her the year's most nominated artist. On the track Men Senara the simple acoustic vibe of the opening phrases slowly grows into a sonic groove with pulsing beats and electronic effects that add a new dimension to Bebe's waif-like vocals. Closing the album is 2002 Latin Grammy winner Jorge Moreno. On Candelita Moreno is inspired by the traditional instrumentation and rhythms of his parents' homeland, Cuba. Including brass band accents, flute, and a cacophony of percussive sounds, Moreno ties in contemporary flavors of American pop, funk and electronica. While acknowledging their heritage by intertwining traditional rhythms and instrumentation with elements of popular music, Latin musicians are demonstrating that you don't have to sacrifice your cultural roots to appeal to a mainstream audience. Putumayo will contribute $1 from the sale of each Radio Latino CD to United for Colombia in an effort to help rehabilitate child victims of landmines in the Putumayo River valley and throughout Colombia.