Buscando America
Ruben Blades and the innovative group Seis del Solar delivered something very special with this album. The spirit ofBuscando America("Looking for America") is defined by a restless, searching attitude and a willingness to struggle with deep issues and to confront painful parts of life with strength and resolve. This is a groundbreaking work that adapts global influences, such as the doo-wop intro to "Decisiones" and the reggae underpinnings of "Desapariciones," into a cohesive and powerful musical vision of what Latin American music can be. It engages the mind, touches the heart, and definitely provokes the dancing feet. Even if you don't understand Spanish, the vocals will grab you, and before they let you go, you just might find yourself inspired to learn the language so that you can understand Blades's profound poetry.--Jeff Grubb