Republica Dominicana
Alongsidesonand merengue,Republica Dominicanatightly focuses on the unmined treasure ofbachatamusic: a particular style of Cuban music featuring intense African percussion, wily ringing guitar, and exotic Iberian-flavored melody. First on the bandwagon of what's sure to be an international explosion, Putumayo brings a fresh and exciting sound to fans of Afro-pop, Cuban, and various Latin music. A sampler rather than a cumulative compilation,Republica Dominicanahighlights genre superstars fromJuan Luis GuerratoChichi Peraltaand stylistic forefather Ramon Cordero, offering the listener choice cuts from which to further explorebachataand its relations. As with all the label's releases, this disc comes with extensive and finely detailed liner notes. The other side of the coin, in a manner,Republica Dominicanain its contrast of dark and light is especially recommended for fans of 1999'sPutumayo Presents Cape Verde.--Paige La Grone