Putumayo Presents: Afro-Portuguese Odyssey
Showcasing styles of music from African countries colonized by Portugal, this compilation doesn't feature the most famed musicians of the representative nations, but it's a uniformly strong collection nonetheless. Cape Verde'smornaandcoladeira, Angola'ssembaandkizomba, Guinea'sgumbéand Mozambique'smarrabentaare among the genres of music represented. Standout Guinean vocalist Eneida Marta brings a laid-back maturity to her phrasing on "Na Bu Mons." Bidente's "Considjo di Garandis" is an impressive mix of African blues and flamenco. Ruy Mingas is a blast from the past who hadn't recorded in 30 years, as is Zé Manel, whose slow bluesy "Bu Fidjo Femia" is culled from 2001'sMaron di Mar, his first album in nearly 20 years. This blend of Portuguese and indigenous cultures didn't happen under the best of circumstances, but there is no doubt that it's produced beautiful music.--Tad Hendrickson