Putumayo
234-2
label website

Putumayo
235-2
label website

Putumayo
236-2
label website

VP and A&R man Jacob Edgar and founder Dan Storper of the Putumayo label have done more than most to popularize the world music genre, assembling radio-happy compilations by theme like musical itineraries in the style of Paris in Three Days guides. Admittedly, a somewhat commercial focus overlooks certain borderline territories that would hold special interest and appeal only for the already converted. Conversely, this easy listening focus is part of the enormous success of the Putumayo phenomenon.


The last three installments focus on Brazil (mellow sambas and bossas by Gal Costa, Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso and newer voices), Latin Island music from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica and Martinique (Africando, Chico Álvarez, Ricardo Lemvo) and West-African fare from Mali (Habib Koité, Tinariwen, Kélétigui Diabate, Issa Bagayogo, Mamoue Sidibé).


Lest you think only well-known headline stars cover the pages of Putumayo, think again. There's Cubismo, a salsa band from Croatia and Pepe & The Bottle Blondes from Portland/Oregon with Pink Martini's former singer in the lead. There's Boubacar Traoré, once a daily presence on national Malinese radio who vanished when his wife died but here reappears with Malagasy accordionist Régis Gizavo. There's Anna de Hollanda's smoky rendition of "Samba Triste" and Glaucia Nasser of Brazil's Minas Gerais region who describes the profound reactions to a lover's kiss with "between the lips a flower is anchored | a satin kiss calms the air | melted in flames".


Expertly sequenced, perfectly selected to maintain a consistent mood, all three albums are commendable examples of the professional compilation genre. Which one you prefer will primarily depend on the time of the day. Putumayo CDs are great when you have company and want to establish a welcoming atmosphere without playing DJ. As the title indicates, Afro-Latin Party is uptempo dance music to shake booty. Acoustic Brazil is down-tempo sunset fare perfect for après-dinner drinks while Mali would be the perfect accompaniment to a festive dinner. Either way, three good 'uns from the Putumayo stable.