American Negra

Bolero is a kind of mexican (and not only) love song that was very popular worldwide, mainly during the 30s and 40s. Many artists became very famous, composing and singing boleros. Among them some great names outside Mexico, like Rafael Hernandez from Puerto Rico, Ignatio "Bola de Nieve" Villa from Cuba, the "Exposito Brothers" from Argentina and more. In this nice compilation you will hear legendary bolero singers like Agustin Lara, Pedro Infante, Pedro Vargas, Los Tres Ases and many more, from remastered original recordings. Enjoy.

The phrase 'living legend' is undoubtedly overused but there can be few people more deserving of such an accolade than Jack Costanzo. Born on the 24th September 1919, Costanzo is arguably the most significant percussionist of the modern era. Playing with many key orchestras, leading his own band, appearing in numerous TV shows and films and tutoring bongo playing to the stars, more than any other figure Jack Costanzo brought percussion, specifically Latin percussion and his trademark bongos, to widespread attention.

Percy Faith (April 7, 1908 – February 9, 1976) was a Canadian-born band-leader, orchestrator and composer, known for his lush arrangements of pop standards. He is often credited with creating the "easy listening" or "mood music" format which became staples of American popular music in the 1950s and continued well into the 1960s. Mucho Gusto was Faith's second album of Mexican-influenced instrumentals, featuring Besame Mucho, Cielito Lindo, La Negra, to name a few.

This enchanting, flavorful CD finds the ever curious Yo-Yo Ma traveling to South America, and Brazil in particular. The music varies from classical to samba to bossa nova; the combinations range from guitar, flute, and cello to female voice (the remarkable Rosa Passos), cello, guitar, percussion, piano, and bass; to simple cello and piano; to cello and two guitars. The overriding element is rhythm; each selection has a beat which is both infectious and sensual, but the contexts are splendidly varied. "Dansa brasileira" has a Debussy-like, impressionistic flavor, "Dansa negra" is sultry with an easy melody, "1 x 0" is a dance scored for guitar, percussion, and cello with a solo clarinet riff. It's impossible to get bored or tired listening to this creative CD; it's unique – just like Yo-Yo Ma himself – and endlessly surprising.