Lila Downs

La Cantina

2006-04-05

The rhythm loops and subtle electronic effects weave in and out of the traditional instrumentation over which Lila sings this wonderful program of Mexican ranchera songs. Downs' dark, smoky voice is the perfect vehicle for these songs, which juxtapose the deep emotion of fado and mariachi music with norteƱo and tejano influences. Everywhere you turn there are deeper complexities lurking beneath the already complicated surfaces of the songs: the quietly wailing clarinet that follows the distorted guitar solo on "Agua de Rosas" or the ska-funk inflections that are constantly hovering around the edges of "Tu Recuerdo y Yo". -AMG

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 04/2017

    Tina Guo
    Game On!

  • reviewed 05/2007

    BEBEL GILBERTO
    Momento

  • reviewed 05/2008

    DJ DOLORES
    1 REAL

  • reviewed 11/2015

    Ashley Monical
    Facing The Shadow

  • reviewed 12/2006

    RAHIM ALHAJ
    When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq

  • reviewed 04/2010

    RAZIA SAID
    Zebu Nation

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.