Putumayo Presents - Carnival (2001)

«Carnival, the ecstatic release of carnal desire in the days leading up to Lent, has a long history. With its roots firmly buried in the Dionysian festivities of ancient Greece, the celebration was appropriated by the Romans for their Bacchanalian homage and then adapted by Roman Catholics to fit pre-Ash Wednesday festivities. Celebrated by Catholics and Bacchanalians alike, contemporary carnival celebrations are especially fervent among the African Diaspora in the Caribbean and the Americas. And from the parading samba schools in Rio to the calypso tents on Trinidad, the art form most identified with carnival is that of music. On Putumayo's Carnival, ten festive tunes, performed in the spirit of carnival, are presented. Among the featured artists are New Orleans' own Eddie Bo building slide trombone riffs on top of shuffling beats, Colombian salsa group Fruko y sus Tesos singing about a particular kind of foppish carnival reveler, and Rio's distinguished sambistsa Martinho da Vila beautifully performing the carnival classic "Canta Canta, Minha Gente." Though some of the CD's cuts have more to do with festivals in general than with carnival in particular — such as Big Davy's Crop Over celebration song — all the songs contribute to the ebullient atmosphere of the compilation. If you're looking for field recordings of actual carnival celebrations then this CD is not for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for contemporary studio recorded songs that reference carnival either directly or indirectly, then Putumayo's Carnival should probably find its way onto your stereo.» (AMG)

Genre: World, Ethnic, Folk
Countries: South and Central America, Barbados, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, U.S.A., Venezuela
Bitrate: 128 kbps
Year: 2001
Size: 42,9 mb (incl. 2% recovery information)

1. Tapete Negro - Ara Ketu - 3:32
2. I Know You Mardi Gras - Eddie Bo - 3:43
3. El Nuevo Caiman - Fruko Y Sus Tesos - 4:39
4. Carnaval - Cuarteto Patria - 5:48
5. Macoklis Mango - Un Solo Pueblo - 3:55
6. Kermit's Second Line - Kermit Ruffins - 3:10
7. Retounen - King Posse - 5:35
8. Canta Canta, Minha Gente - Martinho Da Vila - 2:32
9. Spirit Of Crop Over - Big Davy - 4:37
10. Wild Indian Band - Andre Tanker - 6:20

Rapidshare

Somewhere along the line, the term "oriental" became politically incorrect. The term was in no way derogatory -- it simply referred to people from what used to be called the Orient (China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, and Thailand), just as the term "Scandinavian" is applied to people from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. But the language police took a disliking to the word (without justification), and now, the word Asian is generally applied to those who are from what was once known as the Orient. So when one sees the title Asian Groove, it is logical to assume that Putumayo means Asian as in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, but Putumayo actually means Asian as in Indian and Pakistani. There are plenty of excellent compilations of traditional Indian and Pakistani music, but Asian Groove is totally modern in its outlook -- most of the artists combine Indian or Pakistani elements with modern funk, dance-pop, electronica, or reggae. Technically, the contemporary Indian and Pakistani pop sounds that dominate this rewarding compilation are indeed Asian grooves, but infectious tracks like Bally Sagoo's "Noorie" and A.S. Kang's "Terian Gulabi Buliyan" have more in common with Turkish, Jewish, or Greek pop than they do with the pop sounds that are coming out of Japan, China, or Korea. And that's because Indian and Pakistani music -- like Turkish, Greek, Armenian, Jewish, Syrian, or North African music -- involves what is called modal playing. Those who aren't professional musicians may not know the technical meaning of the word modal, but they'll be able hear the parallels between Asian Groove and collections of Turkish pop or Algerian rai. Karmix's "Sabhyata," in fact, combines Indian and Algerian elements. Asian Groove doesn't have anything to do with Chinese or Japanese pop, but it's a lively, enjoyable survey of contemporary Indian and Pakistani sounds. (AMG)

Genre: Ethnic, Folk, Asian, World
Countries: VA
Bitrate: 192 kbps
Year: 2002
Size: 79,0 mb (incl. 2% recovery information)

1. Bally Japgal - Pheli War (India/UK) - 5:54
2. Karmix - Sabhyata (India/Algeria)  - 4:24
3. Mo' Horizons - Remember Tomorrow (Germany)  - 4:50
4. A.S. Kang - Terian Gulabi Buliyan (India/UK)  - 4:01
5. Badar Ali Khan - Black Night (Pakistan/USA)  - 4:36
6. Mungal with Nitin Sahwney - Awake (Trinidad/India)  - 4:05
7. Yulduz Usmanova - Kunglim Guli (Uzbekistan)  - 3:44
8. Deepak Ram - A Night in Lenasia (India)  - 4:10
9. Susheela Raman - Mamavatu (India/UK)  - 3:49
10. Bally Sagoo - Noorie (India/UK)  - 4:00
11. Kam Dhillon - Aankh Naal (India/UK) - 3:25

http://tinyurl.com/24a2tg

Putumayo Presents - Women Of The World Celtic (1995)

This assortment of Irish and Scottish female artists mostly spotlights denizens of the Celtic twilight movement, which means airy, otherwordly Enya-esque sopranos who sing in either Irish Gaelic or English. The arrangements are similarly spaced-out, tending toward unsteady, woebegone tin flute riffs and nylon-stringed neo-Irish harps layered over pellucid but flagrantly unnatural currents of synthesizers at flood tide. The talent is first-rate, however, ranging from thoughtful singer/songwriters, to die-hard traditionalists, to crinkle-haired new age divas complete with hooded cloaks and elaborately manufactured mysteries. A Celtic music newbie would no doubt be enchanted by all this, but would glean relatively little about the incomparably rich cultural history behind these styles, despite admirably informative liner notes by Fiona Ritchie and Caitlin Ni Bheagain. Another sticking point is that compilations of music by women have become a tiresome concept, flagrant attempts to milk a marketing concept for all it's worth, whether or not they make any sense or even belittle the artists they are meant to promote. This set was one of the first such and the producers meant no harm, but these talented women can stand on their own very well, thank you! They had all, even back then, long since moved past the stage of needing to be pigeonholed strictly by nationality, gender, or any other convenient cliché in order to get over. (AMG)

Genre: Celtic, Ethnic, Folk
Countries: VA
Bitrate: 192 kbps
Year: 1995
Size: 74,8 mb (incl. 2% recovery information)

01 Mαire Brennan (Of Clannad) - Against The Wind - 5:26
02. Mαighread Nν Dhomhnaill - Amhrαn Pheadar Breathnach - 4:11
03. Mary Black - Treasure Island - 3:12
04. Karen Matheson (Of Capercaillie) - Dark Alan [From Rob Roy] - 3:31
05. Karen Matheson (Of Capercaillie) - Waiting For The Wheel To Turn - 6:38
06. Mαire Breatnach - Breatnaigh Abϊ - 2:53
07. Mαire Brennan (Of Clannad) - The Mighty One - 4:33
08. Maura O'connell - Stories - 3:50
09. Fiona Joyce - Cry Over You - 4:45
10. Nancy Mccallion (Of The Mollys) - On We Go - 3:14
11. Mαiread Nν Mhaonaigh (Of Altan) - Dϊlaman - 3:40
12. Mary Black - Song For Ireland - 4:54

http://tinyurl.com/ynu2z5

Putumayo French Cafe (2003)

Putumayo's first geographically based CD after their tenth anniversary celebrations, French Café covers the narrow concept of café music in an admirable manner, including a number of styles that have made their way through the Parisian café systems and/or are inspired by the work of previous artists among the café elite. Some of the classic performers from the Parisian scene are presented here, from the old Georges Brassens recordings, to a sultry little number from Brigitte Bardot, to the chanson innovator Serge Gainsbourg. Some of the more contemporary innovators on the market also appear here in force, from the jazzy Paris Combo, to the kicked-up string jazz of Sansévérino, to the smoother, half-dance music of Enzo Enzo. The album on the whole has a careful little bounce to it that's inherent in much of French contemporary music. It forces the listener to tap their feet, but not quite hard enough to force any dancing. It's this careful line that the music walks throughout the album. Vocals are expressive, but not so much that they scream emotion. It's all implied, but rarely given explicitly, and the music echoes this concept. There are certainly some omissions to be had here (Edith Piaf being perhaps the most notable), but on the whole Putumayo did a fine job in compiling the major styles and figures of the field. The album might be a little thin for those who are already devotees of the café atmosphere, but it makes for a fine introduction. (AMG)

Genre: World, Ethnic, Folk
Countries: France
Bitrate: 224-320 kbps
Year: 2003
Size: 55,4 mb (incl. 2% recovery information)

1. Paris Combo - Fibre de Verre - 3:37
2. Serge Gainsbourg - Marilou Sous La Neige - 2:22
3. Barbara - Si la Photo est Bonne - 2:49
4. Enzo Enzo - Juste Quelqu'un de Bien - 4:07
5. Georges Brassens - Je M'Suis Fait Tout Petit - 3:55
6. Jane Birkin - Elaeudanla Téïtéïa - 2:15
7. Coralie Clément - La Mer Opale - 2:42
8. Mathieu Boogaerts - Ondulé - 3:56
9. Brigitte Bardot - Un Jour Comme un Autre - 2:20
10. Paris Combo - On N'a Pas Besoin - 4:06
11. Sanseverino - Mal ô Mains - 3:00
12. Baguette Quartette - En Douce - 2:24
13. Polo - La Fée Clochette - 2:32

http://tinyurl.com/2zceqf

Putumayo Presents - Africa (1999)

One cannot overstate the influence Africa has had on music of the world. Jazz, blues, rock and roll, gospel, salsa, samba, funk, hip-hop, reggae, zydeco, zouk - the list of genres which have roots in African music is endless. Africa is home to a myriad of styles, and it remains one of the most creative places for music on the planet.

Tradition still plays an important role in today's African music, yet influences from around the world are making themselves increasingly heard. Ironically, many of the foreign music styles that have been most influential on today's African music have African origins. They are merely long lost relatives returning home.

Once you have listened to Africa we hope you are inspired to explore further the richness and variety of African music.

Genre: World, Ethnic, Folk
Countries: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Togo, Congo, Mali, Guinea, Cameroon
Bitrate: 192 kbps
Year: 1999
Size: 77,7 mb (incl. 2% recovery information)

1. Oliver Mtukudzi - Ndima Ndapedza - 6:28
2. Soul Brothers - Thandaza - 5:09
3. Afia Mala - Segne - 4:25
4. Johnny Clegg & Juluka - Love is Just a Dream - 3:48
5. 4 Etoiles - Doly - 5:17
6. Samba Ngo - Sa Ntima - 4:44
7. Habib Koité - Wassiye - 4:44
8. Oom - Anoma - 4:10
9. Diaou Kouyate - Gafale - 3:32
10. Henri Dikongue - Francoise - 4:30
11. Sam Mangwana - Ya Mbemba - 3:58
12. Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca - Manuela - 5:03

http://tinyurl.com/2vrgkn

Putumayo Presents Acoustic Africa (2006)

Every so often, an album comes along that reminds us why we are so moved by song: the melody, the rhythm, and the message. Putumayo has presented a variety of world music CDs, but African music has been the consistent heart and soul of its offerings. Putumayo World Music is pleased to present Acoustic Africa, a captivating collection showcasing some of Africa’s greatest singer-songwriters in beautifully stripped down displays of acoustic mastery. These artists are helping to spearhead an acoustic revolution in stark contrast to the studio-based, synthesized dance music that became the standard for African pop-stars of the 1980’s and 90’s. On Acoustic Africa, you’ll discover gentle folk songs from Senegal, a protest song from South Africa, blues-tinged ballads from Mali and much more.

Genre: World, Ethnic, Folk
Countries: Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Benin, South Africa, Congo, Cape Verde, Mali, Ivory Coast
Bitrate: 256-320 kbps
Year: 2006
Size: 72,8 mb (incl. 2% recovery information)

1. Diogal - Sore - 3:56
2. Eneida Marta - Mindjer Doce Mel - 3:42
3. Rajery - Misahotaka Ny Akama - 3:05
4. Angélique Kidjo - Sedjedo - 2:59
5. Vusi Mahlasela - Basimanyana - 3:15
6. Faya Tess & Lokua Kanza - Bana - 3:38
7. Laye Sow - Mauritania - 3:13
8. Gabriela Mendes - Tradição - 4:39
9. Habib Koité - Baro - 5:02
10. Dobet Gnahoré - Palea - 3:36
11. Manecas Costa - Antonia - 4:19
12. Djélimady Tounkara - Fanta Bourama - 3:46

http://tinyurl.com/2hgjgh

A Putumayo Blend: Music from the Coffee Lands

Coffee has always had romantic resonance. Cowboys and vaqueros crouched by campfires on tiptoe, squinting into the smoke and cradling a tin cup of range brew. Humphrey Bogart's droopy eyes peering over a steaming cup of Java in Casablanca. Sensationalistic photos of beatniks in dark basements, dressed in black reading poetry, listening to jazz and sipping tiny cups of espresso. The smell of your grandma's kitchen on a Saturday morning, the air heavy with the smell of bacon, pancakes and coffee.

Coffee has always been there in the background, like a dark liquid melody, perfuming the air with the scent of lands far away and unlimited possibilities. So sit back, enjoy the music, and sip away.

Genre: World, Ethnic, Folk
Countries: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Bitrate: 192 kbps
Year: 1997
Size: 93,8 mb (incl. 2% recovery information)

1. Julian Avalos - Guajira Bonita - 6:01
2. Claudia Gomez - Soltarlo - 2:42
3. Samite - Wasuze Otya? - 3:50
4. Susana Baca - Maria Lando - 5:35
5. Luiz de Aquino - Noites Claras
6. Ernest Ranglin - Below the Bassline - 4:38
7. Thomas Mapfumo - Hanzvadzi - 5:40
8. Los Tradicionales de Carlos Puebla - Dilema - 2:11
9. Café Tacuba - Esa noche - 3:26
10. James "Bla" Pahinui - Gabby Kai - 4:47
11. Ayub Ogada - Kothbiro - 5:33
12. Juan Carlos Ureña - Este Son - 2:52
13. Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca - La Milonga - 4:37

http://tinyurl.com/2z38ae