Lila Downs

La Cantina

2006-04-05

The rhythm loops and subtle electronic effects weave in and out of the traditional instrumentation over which Lila sings this wonderful program of Mexican ranchera songs. Downs' dark, smoky voice is the perfect vehicle for these songs, which juxtapose the deep emotion of fado and mariachi music with norteƱo and tejano influences. Everywhere you turn there are deeper complexities lurking beneath the already complicated surfaces of the songs: the quietly wailing clarinet that follows the distorted guitar solo on "Agua de Rosas" or the ska-funk inflections that are constantly hovering around the edges of "Tu Recuerdo y Yo". -AMG

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 05/2004

    Ozomatli
    Street Signs

  • reviewed 12/2006

    VARIOUS
    One World Many Cultures

  • reviewed 01/2007

    JOHANNES WELCH, DAVID HESS AND PAUL HINGER
    Stunderthorm

  • reviewed 05/2004

    Ustad Sultan Khan
    Rare Elements

  • reviewed 12/2009

    COREY HARRIS
    BLU.BLACK

  • reviewed 01/2008

    LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
    Ilembe - Honoring Shaka Zulu

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.