Tierra Tradicional, Vol. 2

Africando's second album brought them into the international limelight with a vengeance. You can sense the growing telepathy within the group right upfront. They don't miss a beat from the first album and the momentum carries the transatlantic connection to new, hotter heights. The first track is a tasteful take on the traditional "El Carretero." The track smokes, as does Pape Seck's "Ya Boy," adapted from a song by Ismael Rivera and remixed by DJ Baron Lopez to extended perfection on the excellent compilation African Salsa. The horns here are unbeatable and relentless in stretching out the groove, as is the percussion. The extended remix made it to the top of the New York City Latin charts for seven weeks and no wonder why. "Sama Rew" is a deep groove son montuno with strings that produces plenty of dancefloor steam. The overdrive on the whole album is infectious; it is an album unequaled in Africa-Antilles musical communication. "Sama Thiel" is another fresh take on the Puerto Rican Cortijo's "Moliendo Cafe." Africando has a truly unique ability to connect Africa with the Latin/Caribbean and South America mambo/cha-cha legacy. This is what makes them what they are. They do this with a particularly honed style, panache, and deep-seated passion. Highly recommended as a follow-up to their first album.