Putumayo’s exploration of music from the world over continues with this
collection of reggae-influenced tunes. But it’s not only about
influence, as reggae buttresses the Spanish mestizo (meaning “mixed”)
sound. Many of the grooves here are sustained with keyboards, while the
riddims tend to sound hybrid. One of the most passionate concoctions is
“Si Hecho Palante” by Ticklah with Mayra Vega. This cover of an Eddie
Palmieri salsa classic bounces vocalist Vega’s reverb-heavy voice off
of a thick groove before a keyboard solo takes the jam home. –
