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Putumayo’s New “Beat”

By Dan Storper, September 7, 2011  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Dan Storper
Read on for a chance to win a 4-CD set from Putumayo’s Beat series and Groove series. Dan Storper is the CEO and Founder of Putumayo World Music. Putumayo continues its exploration of contemporary world music with the launch of a new "Beat" series, which follows in the footsteps of the successful “Groove” series. New releases African Beat and Latin Beat highlight the exciting blends of world music and electronica, R&B and more coming out of studios in Europe, America, Africa and Latin America. These releases are available at most Whole Foods Market stores. On Latin Beat, we explore funky new blends of Latin music, in which electronic beats, hip-hop flavors, DJ remixes and cutting-edge grooves are fused effortlessly with Colombian cumbia, Cuban son, Mexican banda, Spanish flamenco, Afro-Peruvian roots music and more. Cuban band Moneda Dura adds the voice of Buena Vista Social Club legend Ibrahim Ferrer to a catchy breakbeat sound. Colombians Jontre and Mariposa Solar demonstrate how effortlessly groundbreaking Latin musicians are using traditional rhythms in a contemporary pop context. Spain's Digitano takes Gypsy flamenco instrumentation and layers on electronic effects. These collaborations between modern Cuban groups and Cuban legends provide insight into how Latin music has managed to stay as popular and relevant today as it was 50 years ago. On African Beat, Putumayo features artists who are as likely to have traditional African drumming, soukous and mbaqanga on their IPods as they are the latest European dubstep and R&B. These tracks reveal that even in this globalized, hi-tech world, the divide between the past and the future is not as great as it may seem. Songs by musicians with deep connections to their roots, including Vieux Farka Touré and Les Barons, are remixed and reworked by Western DJs. The music of South Africa's Busi Mhlongo, Senegal's Lëk Sèn and Malian/French group Donso reveals how hip-hop, electronica and other urban musical styles have been incorporated into traditional African music, taking it in surprising new directions. We hope you give these new sounds a listen. Do you have a favorite song or group that showcases collaboration between two distinct music styles? Let us know what it is in the comments below for a chance to win a 4-CD set from Putumayo’s Beat series (African Beat and Latin Beat) and Groove series. (Arabic Groove and Turkish Groove). Comment by September 21st for a chance to win. We’ll choose one comment at random to receive the CDs.
Category: Music

 

1,011 Comments

Comments

Tanya says ...
More cool music from Putumayo. Can't wait to listen and add to my playlists.
09/15/2011 11:11:09 PM CDT
Andrea Price says ...
music keeps life interesting
09/15/2011 11:16:40 PM CDT
Connie Crow says ...
The music is so special. It is feel good music.
09/15/2011 11:44:22 PM CDT
Gloria says ...
Love shopping at Whole Foods Market and love listening to Putumayo World Music. Lila Downs, who has a unique style and sound, is one of my favs. Thank you for the chance to win this set.
09/16/2011 12:24:27 AM CDT
Jamie Brown says ...
World music rocks and Putumaya never dissapoints!!
09/16/2011 12:42:23 AM CDT
Susie Duff says ...
Thank you for touting Putomayo. Richard Page (former lead singer of Mister Mister and one of the most recorded voices in music history) has a brilliant new album entitled "Peculiar Life" produced by genius film composer and former rocker Richard Gibbs. "Peculiar Life" contains some of the most gorgeous music that I have ever heard in my entire life. This hauntingly beautiful work goes way beyond a collaboration between two distinct music styles: it is a tour de force of some the best musicians in the world who are absolutely at the top of their game and, as you'll hear, play as if they are thrilled to be together. Treat yourself and get this album. Thank you and take care.
09/16/2011 3:15:08 AM CDT
Scott Cannon says ...
I've purchased a few different Putumayo series collections over the years and enjoy them very much.
09/16/2011 3:17:28 AM CDT
Patricia LeBlanc says ...
I love all Puttmayo's CDs.
09/16/2011 3:19:56 AM CDT
Tian says ...
I love the way Cake mixes African rattle noises (Jaw music) into their music.
09/16/2011 3:22:06 AM CDT
Agnes Lang says ...
I love Thievery Corporation. Thank you for the chance to win this set.
09/16/2011 3:29:21 AM CDT
Sharon Jones says ...
I love the kids cd's I am a nanny and listen to them all the time with my little ones. tx for entry
09/16/2011 4:55:05 AM CDT
david dyson says ...
I love their line of music
09/16/2011 5:43:55 AM CDT
David Linton says ...
From Desmond Decker to Staff Benda Bilili "world music" should be explored & celebrated! like food or wine from throughout the world, it expands our palate & allows us to understand our fellow man!
09/16/2011 6:51:56 AM CDT
ana says ...
Love the cd's inspirational and calming
09/16/2011 7:45:32 AM CDT
Karen says ...
I haven't heard the music, but friends say I would like the CD's.
09/16/2011 7:56:41 AM CDT
John says ...
great idea to have this in compilation form!
09/16/2011 8:25:08 AM CDT
Deborah DeFranco says ...
Ellen McIlwaine. Hands down.
09/16/2011 8:32:49 AM CDT
Jodi-Charlotte says ...
I like the song and the message of Putumayo's woman of Africa
09/16/2011 8:43:10 AM CDT
Tracie Nichols says ...
Baka Beyond! (http://www.bakabeyond.net/) Always moves me :-)
09/16/2011 8:51:03 AM CDT
Amy says ...
The Women of the World CD is Fabulous!
09/16/2011 8:58:35 AM CDT
carole g says ...
Sounds wonderful... what a terrific way to kick off fall !!!
09/16/2011 8:59:01 AM CDT
Angelique says ...
Hmm, at the moment can't think of any bands that blend distinct styles. The only thing that's jumping into my head is that "Mambo #5" pop song from several years back that paired some old-style mamba with a fast pop/dance beat. I love it when old-school music is injected with a fresh perspective, giving it a new way to be accessible to other generations.
09/16/2011 9:01:29 AM CDT
Betty says ...
Sounds like they will be great! Thanks for the chance to win!
09/16/2011 9:06:38 AM CDT
Jolene says ...
Would love to check these CDs out!
09/16/2011 9:17:08 AM CDT
Sonya says ...
I love Putumayo and would so enjoy having this CD set!
09/16/2011 10:12:25 AM CDT

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