Eclectopia Blog

The roots of Latin music are deep, but the branches are reaching out into other styles. Here is a list of contemporary Latin music.

Morelenbaum /Sakamoto: Casa (Tribute to Jobim)

This kind of exquisite, nuanced acoustic playing we generally associate with classical chamber music, but to the trio of Paula (voice) and Jaques Morelenbaum (cello) along wth Ryuichi Sakamoto (piano), beauty comes effortlessly.  Recorded in Jobim’s house, this is a must-have for any collection. I dare you to find anything more enchanting than tracks like As praias desertas or Bonita. A dreamy, sparse, subtle production and the voice of Paula Morelenbaum is angelic.

Bebel Gilberto Momento

João Gilberto’s daughter certainly inherited her father’s legacy both in form and spirit because she’s one of the best vocalists in music today. She’s also part of a new movement in Brazilian music that’s crossing over into electronica, no doubt with a debt to producer Suba. Electronics are tastefully used and not just as novel sounds. Just to be safe, buy all of her releases. As one Amazon reviewer states, “Am I gushing? Well, golly, I guess I am.” No problemo, amigo. I am as well.

Suba São Paulo Confessions

Born Mitar Subotić in Serbia, a three month trip to Brazil changed him forever and he soon emigrated. He met Bebel and worked on her Tanto Tempo album – a worldwide bestseller. São Paulo Confessions was released, but soon after, a tragic accident ended the life of this promising producer and composer. This is cutting-edge Latin music, not the expected sunny bossa nova Brazil, but dense electronic textures and rich compositions that break stylistic barriers.

Brazilectro Sessions

There are at least ten compilations under this name and choosing one over another is a difficult matter. These compilations are a virtual who’s who of progressive Latin music – names like Senor Coconut, Mo Horizons and Latin Soul Syndicate. The wide range of styles and moods can run from the sensuous to the silly or the cerebral to the dance floor. Lots of fun for everyone.

Putumayo Records

Putumayo has done more to promote accessible world music than any other label. Choosing a favorite from this label is another impossible task, as Latin music abounds in titles like Latin Lounge, Baila! A Latin Dance Party or Afro-Latin Party. This label runs the gamut from soft acoustic music to salsa.

Africando All Stars Mandali

The All Stars draw from many rhythmic sources, but in the end, this is a smashingly great Afro-Latin album. If you can’t get your groove on with Son Fo, Betece or Hwomevonon, then maybe this style of music just isn’t for you. Outstanding in every way!

Six Degrees Records

With its upfront eclectic philosophy of “the world is closer than you think,” Six Degrees is a leader in finding great artists who break all the rules about style. Los Mocosos, Celso Fonseca, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and many other Latin artists make their home there. It's a first class operation.

Resources:

Six Degrees Records

Putumayo Records