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 07/2006

    SUNI PAZ
    Bandera Mia-Songs of Argentina

  • reviewed 09/2007

    TARAF DE HAIDOUKS
    Maskarada

  • reviewed 05/2005

    Ali Farka Toure
    Red & Green

  • reviewed 11/2010

    MYSTIC ROOTS BAND
    CALI-HI

  • reviewed 08/2007

    SENTI TOY
    How Many Stories Do You Read On My Face?

  • reviewed 06/2011

    KARSH KALE
    Cinema

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.