Latin+quarter

Where does one begin to praise this CD? The bitter-sweet lyrics, the brilliant intertwining of piano and guitar, the perfect vocal harmonies, the atmospheric texture, the magic of the melodies? "Bringing Rosa Home" is the sixth and strongest CD so far from the English band Latin Quarter. The richness of ideas of joint band- leaders Steve Skaith and Richard Wright is overwhelming, their musical taste undeniable. The twelve pop-songs on their new CD sound smooth and effortless almost as a matter of course. Like all really first-class things.

Inspired by the name and flair of the Parisian student quarter Quarter Latin, Mike Jones (lyrics), Steve Skaith (voice and guitar) and Richard Wright (guitar) founded the British band Latin Quarter in 1983 – a band that was like a melting pot of different cultures. The music styles were just as different as the subject matter of the songs; with their committed lyrics they vented their own anxieties over issues such as America during the McCarthy era, everyday racism or unemployment. Their songs captivate through a mixture of rock, reggae, dance and ballads.This DVD brings you Latin Quarter in 1986 at the height of their success from the Full House Rock Show, Hanover featuring their hit single Radio Africa.

When Latin Quarter released their debut album, Modern Times, in 1986, it was so musically diverse, it seemed to be a compilation of several different bands. When Mick and Caroline was released the following year, the band was essentially the same, but their different approaches began to melt together, making this album more cohesive, if not as interesting. Late-'80s pop once again mixed with world rhythms and socially charged lyrics (courtesy of lyricist Mike Jones), creating a sound that could have made a commercial impact had it not been for the inability to pigeonhole the band into a clear musical genre.

Latin Quarter first burst onto the scene with their singles "Radio Africa" and "New Millionaires" – songs that stayed for months in the German single charts in the 80s, with the album "Modern Times" selling more than 300.000 copies worldwide. After splitting up in 1998, five of the original musicians got together again in 2011. Unlike other bands they didn’t rely on previous fame but released an album with new songs, reflecting private and political life today. „Ocean Head“ was released in 2012, the follow up album „Tilt“ in 2014. This album gained a lot of response and respect and led to the reunification of the band Latin Quarter.

For its third outing, Latin Quarter served up more surprises for its fans. Trimmed down to a quartet (half the band it used to be?), the band was more musically focused on this album than ever before. Choosing to keep the world rhythms to a minimum, the album's backbeat was clearly lush acoustic pop with a few touches added for flourish and flavor. Without completely altering their approach, the bandmembers were able to simplify their sound without giving up their identity. In doing so, they finally created what could be considered the "Latin Quarter" sound. Steve Skaith (vocals and guitar) served up some his best melodies to date, while lyricist Mike Jones proved to be as thought-provoking as ever, challenging the listener with each song.

Named after Latin Quarter's most popular song, Radio Africa compiles tracks from the group's three '80s albums – Modern Times, Mick and Caroline, and Swimming Against the Stream – none of which had yet appeared on CD when this collection was released in 1997. Latin Quarter's heavily political lyrics may not be understood by some, especially when the band's references are too obscure or forgotten in the passage of time. When the music is taken into focus, Radio Africa sounds best when the group strays from their folk-rock origins. The ghostly keyboards and woeful vocals of "No Rope As Long As Time," confronting apartheid and violence in South Africa with sadness and anger, hasn't lost its punch even when lyrics like "Nelson Mandela in the prison" make it outdated.

Latin Quarter first burst onto the scene with their singles "Radio Africa" and "New Millionaires" - songs that stayed for months in the German single charts in the 80s, with the album "Modern Times" selling more than 300.000 copies worldwide. The band then went on to make 5 more albums before splitting up in 1998. However, in 2011 five of the original band members are back together with a new acoustic-pop album, entitled "Ocean Head". The album, was released in Europe on February 17, 2012, contains 10 new and 1 older song, and combines the political and the personal themes for which Latin Quarter have always been renowned.

With three studio albums to its credit and a bona fide hit with "Radio Africa" (from Latin Quarter's debut album, Modern Times), this politically minded worldly pop band decided to call it quits, leaving behind this compilation of oddities, rarities, unreleased demos, and re-recordings. For those looking for the hit, "Radio Africa" (album version) is here in all its splendor, but most of the remaining tracks are exclusive to this release. The ones that have been released elsewhere include the beautiful "The Colourscheme" (sung by Yona Dunsford), which was a B-side, and "The New Millionaires," which is the same version as the one on their debut.

This program presents Argentinean jazz legend Gato Barbieri in a live performance. The show takes place in the Latin quarter in New York. The dancers move to the hot sounds of Barbieri's band. Gato Barbieri is sonorous on the saxophone. The evening of Latin jazz features a host of other great musicians, including Robbie Gonzalez, Mario Rodriguez, Mark Soskin, and Frank Colon. Gato Barbieri took the saxophone style of John Coltrane and adapted it to South American tango and folk idioms. His trademark piercing tenor cries ring through on this 1999 live date from New York City's Latin Quarter club.