Decada Uno

Having netted three Grammys for their collaborations with Panamanian salsa superstar Rubén Blades was apparently not sufficient for the members of Editus. Their voracious hunger for crafting transcendent, crystalline world music not yet satiated, they set to work on their 2001 release Decada Uno. Violinist Ricardo Ramirez, guitarist Edin Solis, and percussionist Carlos "Tapado" Vargas, when combined, create an otherworldly sound as clear and volatile as molten glass. While residing in the world music category, for lack of more accurate descriptors, Editus both defies category and is yet indisputably Latino. The rhythms, tonalities, and attitudes that make up their artistic identity whisper boasts of their native Costa Rica. Having collaborated not only with Blades but with other luminaries such as Danilo Perez and Pedro Aznar makes clear the pedigree of the individual musicians, and their impact as a whole. Ramirez, Solis, and Vargas communicate so flawlessly and fluidly that their voices blend together like a tightly woven, fine fabric. The excellent recording quality aids the artists in their collective pursuit to both soothe and haunt the listener. For anyone unfamiliar with Editus, Decada Uno unwraps like a precious, enigmatic gift. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi