Baila: Latin Dance Party

Just in time for sultry weather festivities, the trusty world music compilation label Putumayo has put together yet another dynamite party album. From the opening 1-2-3/1-2 clavé of Raúl' Paz' "Mua Mua Mua", which is soon overwhelmed by electronica only to re-emerge at will, the beats are as relentless as they are caressing. The set covers a lot of ground geographically, as Puerto Rican salsa, Mexican and Colombia cumbia and Cuban rumba have long since become international preoccupations, performed by local practitioners in every corner of the globe. Africando, with its blend of West African salseros and New York-based Latin all-stars, and Riccardo Lemvo's suave rumba Congolaise via LA, have repatriated rhythms that came from Africa in the first place. Belgium is an unlikely pit-stop, but Gabriël Rios' Santeria-infused "Bones Bugalu" has plenty of authenticity plus panache to spare. The grooves just keep coming, so put on those dancing shoes, snag an ice-cold forty-ouncer of malt liquor from the corner bodega and swing the night away! Part of the proceeds from this album will be donated to United For Colombia, in support of their efforts to help children who have been injured by landmines. --Christina Roden

¡Baila!.is a global Latin party featuring salsa, cumbia, and meringue mixed with contemporary dance beats and rhythms. The party starts in the streets of Havana before hitting the road. Raul Paz kicks it off with "Mua Mua Mua," seamlessly blending the deep grooves of his native Cuba with the contemporary stylings he's picked up since relocating to France. Back in Cuba NG La Banda offer "La Cachimba" their mission statement announcing the virtues of a new musical style that's sure to make you dance. Next the party travels to Colombia, where the collective known as La-33 is revitalizing salsa by reconnecting it to the genre's golden era of the 1960s and 70s. Not to be outdone, however, New York delivers a rhythm-driven one-two punch with The Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Yerba Buena contributing the best of the old school and the new. On the West Coast, Argentinean ex-pats Los Pinguos and Congo native Ricardo Lemvo integrate various Latin elements that keep the party people on their feet.

The next stop on the party express is Belgium, where Gabriel Rios landed after leaving his native Puerto. Experimenting with a variety of influences while maintaining his deep Latin roots has made this unique musician an unlikely pop star in his adopted home. Next we travel to Stockholm, Sweden, where the high-powered ensemble Calle Real is bringing a thaw to their native city. The Africando All Stars and Brooklyn Funk Essentials round out this collection, proving once and for all that the party is right here.

A portion of Putumayo's proceeds from the sale of this CD will be donated to United for Colombia in support of their efforts to help children who are victims of landmines in Colombia.