RAZA LATINA CD REVIEW
   

by Georgina Nicoli


Based in Italy, Raza Latina are a Latin music band made up of musicians from all over South America and Italy.

In this album, you will hear what has become their signature sounds thanks to the tastes of their fan base. That is an album of lively Salsa, with a good number of soothing Bachata songs. These songs are perfectly placed at the end, giving the listener or dancer a relaxing breather after a fun, up-tempo start. This is great for fans of both Salsa and Bachata and provides variety to the listener. Raza Latina's Salsa is infectious. It somehow sounds traditional and contemporary at the same time. Hailing from Cuba, Santa Domingo, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico and Italy, each member brings something different to the sound of this album. The Venezuelan sound can definitely be heard in their percussion. The influence from Cuba's strong Salsa tradition can be heard, especially from masters like Celia Cruz with the band's reference to 'La Vida es un Carnival' in one of their tracks. The three Bachata tracks satisfy the Italian audience but can also please non-Italian listeners with the present explosion of Bachata happening on the dance floors all over the world. Check out the songs that have become big hits all over Italy.



"GIRALDO PILOTO KLIMAX & FRIENDS"
   

No less than Chucho Valdes made the following comments about the new production. "In my view they have recorded some of the best Cuban music that I have heard for a long time. Enjoy this CD as it contains music that breaks new ground, not only for Cuban music but for all of world music in general." CHUCHO VALDES.

The most sophisticated and strikingly original of the major Timba bands, by a considerable margin, is Giraldo Piloto's Klimax.

Descended from a long line of famous Cuban musicians and composers, Piloto has been omnipresent throughout the first decade of Timba history as a drummer, a songwriter and an arranger. He was a founding member of the first Timba band, NG La Banda. When La Charanga Habanera exploded onto the scene, their first big hit, "Me Sube la Fiebre", was written by Piloto and they followed it up with several other Piloto songs, including "Mi Estrella". When Issac Delgado left NG to form his own group, Piloto became his musical director and wrote a number of songs for him, including possibly his most important hit, "No Me Mires a los Ojos", which Issac still plays at nearly every concert. In January of 1995, after 8 years at the epicenter of the Timba revolution, Piloto decided to form his own group and in April of that year, Klimax played their first concert at the famous La Cecilia club on Avenida Quinta. Klimax have released 3 CD's and are touring extensively throughout Europe and South America.

KLIMAX have now released their fourth CD. This LATIN JAZZ production deserves special attenton. It is not only the guest musicians like Chucho Valdes, Germán Velázco, Changuito, Julito Padrón that make it into an, "incredible work of art" but also the main musicians of Klimax around Geraldo Pilato are for sure a guarantee for this World Class Latin Jazz production.

Klimax can only be understood as an absolute "Highpoint" in Latin Jazz



"MARC ANTHONY - VALIO LA PENA &
AMAR SIN MENTIRAS" By Georgina Nicoli
   
One of Latin music's most talented and strongest voices, Marc Anthony has been hard at work. He spoils us with not one but two CD's. He sticks to his Spanish-language music with both but with two very different musical styles, showing his flexibility as an artist. While Amar Sin Mentiras is what is now classed as Spanish pop, a mix between Latin music and Western pop music, Valio La Pena is 100% salsa. Both feature the duet with Jennifer Lopez, along with other hits including Valio La Pena and Ahora Quien. I prefer Valio La Pena but only because I am a sucker for salsa. This is a treasure chest and each song is a gem. Although songs are repeated on both CD's in their different styles, it is well worth buying both CD's.

There are some songs featured on one CD that are not on the other. Also, for Marc Anthony fans these are essentials to your collections.



"THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES DVD, Rated 15 by Georgina Nicoli
   

The Motorcycle Diaries tells the story of two young men's journey through South America. One happens to be Ernesto Guevara, or as we now know him as 'Che' Guevara, and his friend Alberto Granado. But this is a Che we have never seen before. The man behind the most produced photograph in the world, adorning many a student's wall. This is a 24 year old Che, before he becomes the hero of the Cuban revolution.

Based on the diaries of Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granada, their journey sets off from Argentina and takes them through Chile and Peru to Venezuela where they part. Through their adventures, they discover a South America they had never seen before and find a Latin identity.


They are witnesses to the injustice experienced by the indigenous peoples, which plants a seed in Ernesto that will grow into the man he later becomes. With them, we get to see the beautiful landscapes and history of this continent.

This film is very well acted. Gael Garcia Bernal, who plays Ernesto, and Rodrigo De La Serna, who plays Alberto, create a great rapport. Their likeness in looks and character to the men they play is uncanny.

The extra features include deleted scenes, trailer, cast and crew interviews, Alberto Granado interview, behind the scenes and featurette. Apart from behind the scenes, which is boring, the extras do not disappoint like other DVD's sometimes do. The deleted scenes look like they could be part of the film, compared to other DVD's where deleted scenes do not look up to scratch. The highlight of cinema in 2004 and with great features, Motorcycle Diaries is on release now.