Breezy and flowing, this collection of music from the tropics oozes rhythm. The warmth of the songs is almost remedial – therapy for the body as well as the soul. As with most cross-pollinated music, there is a strong Latin presence in most cases. The selection is varied, a mosaic of spirited and laidback songs reflecting their respective cultures in all their similarities as well as in their diversities.
Of particular note are Tito Paris’s Danca Ma Mi Criola and Maria Alice’s Falso Testemunho. Typical of Cape Verde’s heritage, these songs lean deeply into the area’s Portuguese/African cross culture for inspiration, presenting two sides of their traditional sound. Other songs bearing hints of a similar vein include Jose Gonzalez’s Bomba Te Traigo Yo (Puerto Rico), Veinte Anos by Cuban band Los Tradicionales de Carlos Puebla and Bobby & Angelo’s Tahitian tune, E Iti Taurua. Martinique’s Kali brings a stronger Caribbean flavour into the set, while D’Gary & Jihe and Tarika stir the mix with their East African influences, making Islands a vibrant collection of soothing yet stimulating music.