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 01/2007

    HAZMAT MODINE
    Klezmer Blues

  • reviewed 03/2015

    The Paradise Bangkok Molam International
    21st Century Molam

  • reviewed 11/2017

    Giraffage
    Too Real

  • reviewed 01/2005

    Pauline Scanlon
    Red Colour Sun

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Cibelle
    The Shine of Dried Electric Leaves

  • reviewed 11/2009

    PALO!
    This Is Afro-Cuban Funk

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.