Latin America has produced dozens of brilliant female singers and composers, including trail-blazers like Violetta Parra, Elis Regina, Soledad Bravo and Mecedes Sosa, to mention only a few. The present generation is also s... more »haping up nicely. There are more women bandleaders than ever before, firmly in charge of their own talent, free to choose their material and back-up players without interference. As they so often do, Putumayo has supplied a short-list of emerging stars; the voices heard on this album are uniformly splendid and worthy of deeper exploration. But there are a few stand-outs: Brazilian Mônica Salmaso's creamy dark voice makes a strong impression, as does Chilean chanteuse Jacqueline Fuentes's plaintive, fado-like mezzo and Lhasa's limpidly nostalgic Mexican ranchera. Some may cavil at yet another gender-based compilation. But they should consider that male-dominated equivalents have existed since the dawn of the recorded era; they were just not labeled as such. --Christina Roden« less
Latin America has produced dozens of brilliant female singers and composers, including trail-blazers like Violetta Parra, Elis Regina, Soledad Bravo and Mecedes Sosa, to mention only a few. The present generation is also shaping up nicely. There are more women bandleaders than ever before, firmly in charge of their own talent, free to choose their material and back-up players without interference. As they so often do, Putumayo has supplied a short-list of emerging stars; the voices heard on this album are uniformly splendid and worthy of deeper exploration. But there are a few stand-outs: Brazilian Mônica Salmaso's creamy dark voice makes a strong impression, as does Chilean chanteuse Jacqueline Fuentes's plaintive, fado-like mezzo and Lhasa's limpidly nostalgic Mexican ranchera. Some may cavil at yet another gender-based compilation. But they should consider that male-dominated equivalents have existed since the dawn of the recorded era; they were just not labeled as such. --Christina Roden
"These vocalists and the songs they sing are exquisite works of art. Each voice is distinctively rich and though I do not speak Spanish the words and rythms convey their own poetry,"
Epitome of Feminine Vocal Grace
Abstractist | Ventura, CA USA | 11/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a perfect intro CD to listeners new to Latin songs performed by some of the greatest female vocalists! The multifarious selection in the CD exposes the listeners to the rich spectrum of melodious, soothing, and sensual musical gifts that those female artists share with the rest of world with their grace. This CD also serves as a perfect ramification tool to deepen one's appreciation of any of the female vocalists listed. I like all of them and intend to purchase each vocalist's individual CD to further my understanding of her musical style and philosophy."
Muy Hermosa!
Frida Admirer | Earth, USA | 05/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Women of Latin America is truly a sweet treasure. This is the first album that i have bought from this series. I am very glad i did. Each artists from this CD exemplifies a mood in their own way. At times sensual to haunting, sad, and hopeful, these artists truly are talented, beautiful, and powerful. I wish artists like these had more praise and attention than the artists these days that are nothing more but entertainers using just sex appeal to be noticed. This is what real music is about, even when you don't know a single word from the lyrics! I know Spanish pretty well, and im telling you, even the lyrics are "muy hermosa" and just incredible. This is an album worth having if you truly appreciate the passion and beauty of the Spanish language, and beautiful Latin American woman. Gozar de la musica de vida!"
Vocal Prowess meets diverse styles
WorldDiscoveries.Net | Petaluma, California | 11/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The lovely women of Latin America profiled in WOMEN OF LATIN AMERICA were chosen for their vocal prowess, their diverse styles, and their ability to appeal across cultures to a wide audience outside of as well as within Latin America.
From Susana Baca to Lila Downs and Lhasa, Mexico to Columbia, WOMEN OF LATIN AMERICA is a recommended, diverse and lovely pick."
Super addictive music
Charlotte Tomic | Florida | 03/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The voices and songs of these women haunt you way after you've turned off the CD with incredible melodies and instrumental backups. I would buy one for all of my women friends for Women's Day, today!"