Album Review – Romperayo e DJ Tudo + Sua Gente de Todo Lugar- “Rhythmic Emancipation” 

We are going with some world sounds for this review and I am really pleased that I found this album when I was checking out the releases from the Names You Can Trust label out of Brooklyn, New York.  It may be outside of even the wide-ranging path I follow when listening but that is exactly what I love about exploring music.  There is so much out there, so many great rhythms, melodies, different textures, influences and cultures to experience.  I also often have my Joe Strummer moments and I can definitely see Joe sitting around listening to this record and enjoying some of the sounds.   

This starts off with “Los Mariguano Boys” and I really like the drum rhythms that lead off in this track.  It has a nice, pulsing beat to it that gives it some fun and flair.  That leads into the next song, “Guaracha Campesina Proletaria,” which is just as nice of a rapid tempo dance number as the name implies.  There is a really nice melody line in here, which I believe is delivered on guitar.  There are some subtle changes in tone that also lend some depth.   Right about the 1:30 mark some great horns kick in and catch your attention.  There has always been something about that combination that has peaked my interest and this selection is a great example of the reason for that feeling. 

“La Macumba” is the third selection and I believe the title references a folk religion although I admit I did not have time to look into it further before writing this post.   There is some nice vocal work at the beginning accompanied by the cowbell and then the horns come in to layer in a little mystery.  I really like the trumpets that you can find in the 1:30 to 1:55 range of this track.  The final song is “Encuentro” and I am still trying to work out the sound that lies  underneath the horns at the beginning.  The slower tempo of this arrangement  gives you a real sense of anticipation.  The military style drum beat leads some structure that plays off the horns in an odd but alluring way.   My only complaint here is that I feel this one runs just a little too long.

Overall I really enjoyed this album and the music is just right for a late evening get together or a mid-afternoon at the pool and beach.  There is also some nice artwork on the album cover.  

As I stated above, I picked this up via Names You Can Trust and you can check out their other releases at https://nyctrust.bandcamp.com.

As always, if you have the opportunity, please get out and support your local music and artists – community is powerful !