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 A new breed of musicians is breaking barriers in the Latin music field. Cuba is exporting some of the most creative rap in the world. The latest sensation is Telmary. She has performed throughout Europe with great success. Her latest CD, A Diario, was released in Europe through DM Ahora Records.
A Diario shows Telmary going beyond the increasingly stale hip hop. She incorporates edgy Afro-Cuban beats, Santeria chants, guaracha, Latin rock, and even flamenco. She pulls this off brilliantly with the help of cast of prestigious guests that range from Athanai and Mayito Rivera to Spain's world music innovators Ojos de Brujo.
The Rough Guide to Latin Funk may lead you to believe that it is a collection of Latin bands playing R&B. That is not the case. The ingenious compilation features bands that range from Rock en Español to Afrobeat. The pieces chosen have a funky feel to them and thus the title of the CD. The Rough Guide to Latin Funk includes Cuban artists like the increasingly popular X Alfonso, US-based acts such as mestizo music bands like Ozomatli and Los Mocosos, Mexico's resourceful Nortec Collective, Afrobeat jam band Antibalas and much more.
One of the most unexpected collaborations is the Cuban project called Interactivo. The group includes jazz pianist Roberto Carcassés, sonero Francisco del Rio, rapper Telmary Diaz and two singer-songwriters, Yusa and William Vivanco. The result is Goza Pepillo, an album that is fresh and innovative, combining the best that Cuba has to offer, mixing its rich traditional roots with the latest musical tendencies.
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