Traveling: Puerto Rico

In this cold italian winter I can't help to think about the caribbean. I dream of the sun, the smells de las calles, the sounds. So, I dedicate this post to the most caribbean place of "North" America, Puerto Rico. I'm fascinated by this place, where mestizaje is pushed at the limits, not without contrasts and contradictions. And this is well reflected by the music. Listen to that:


Sometimes I think there's more Puerto Rico outside than inside the island. Here there's an extremely good band, based in Washington, where every influence is perfectly melted into the true and original caribbean sounds. Here cumbia, funky and reggaeton go nicely together to reflect the real sound of the new latino generations.


Sometimes I think that hip-hop would somehow be already dead if it wasn't for the latin influence that made it revive and regenerate into something new and powerful. Latin rap and reggaeton, if well done, are irresistible. They make you dance even if you don't want, and they taste like a ron shot: sweet and hot. This album is a very good example of what latin hip hop is capable to do. Try to believe.


Puerto Rico is not just salsa and rap. There's something for every taste. I liked this album because it feels different. Mima is a musician between worlds. She somehow reminds me of the spanish singer "La Bebe", but with that latin sounds that gives her a good push on on the rhythmic side. Nice lyrics and interesting fusion research. Keep en eye on her.


This album is a mix of different elements, all melted in a folkloric athmosphere of latin rhythms, but not totally "classic". I like the lyrics, and the simplicity a little melancholic. The author is a multiinstrumentalist born in Puerto Rico that makes all by his self, and makes it good.

Etta James, a little goodbye.

Another great voice of soul and blues has faded these days. She started fading, actually, a while ago, when her mind started to surrender to dementia and illness. But she was there, a living witness to what she was capable to do in the music world. There's no female singer of our times that didn't try to test herself on Etta James hits, and it was never an easy test to pass. Now she's gone. But sure as hell she's going to last.

Etta James singing her most popular hit in 2009. She was beautiful, and she had that sad vibe in her voice like it was the first and the last time she was singing that tune. Awesome.

I think that Aguilera is one of the few contemporary singers that found a personal way to render Etta James songs. She's got a different style, of course, but the same strenght and power and that touch of rage that I think has always been one of the signatures of Etta.

Maybe it should have been Etta that night. But still, Beyoncé gave a great rendition of this song and the couple dancing on the stage made everything very very special. Etta was mad about that, but she was shining on that stage even if she wasn't there. A nice tribute, freshly done, were Etta James voice shines out like a spark on a funky base that honours well her name. Free to download.