Putumayo Presents: World Groove

Amazon.com
This two-discs-for-the-price-of-one set offers an all-new 10-track album called World Groove, an enhanced CD featuring a live performance video by Egypt's Hisham Abbas and Jayrashree called "Nari Nari." It also includes a generous sampler culled from Putumayo's multi-volume "Groove" and "Lounge" series. As an exercise in hip global cool, these selections would be hard to match, let alone surpass. But many of them are too laid back and/or rhythmically sporadic to an inspire an unbroken sequence of sweaty dancing---although beaucoup de bopping in place on soignée velvet couches, cocktails in hand, will certainly occur. Even so, there are plenty of take-no-prisoners mixes. Turkish star Mustafa Sandal's "Aya Benzer" gets a chunky R&B remix from DJ Royal Gardens while Algerian raï superstar Cheb Mami goes urban on "Parisien du Nord." Pick hit: Belgian-Congolese girl-band Zap Mama seemingly channeling Eartha Kitt over a not-terribly-ladylike drum n¹ bass undertow on "Miss.Q.In." --Christina Roden

Product Description
World Groove is a global dance party featuring the hottest blends of world music with electronica, dance and more. The first pressing includes a bonus CD sampler with tracks from Putumayo's best-selling Groove and Lounge collections.

Putumayo Presents: World Groove

Putumayo Presents: World Groove,Various Artists,Putumayo World Music,Club/Dance,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Rai,Regional Mexican

Average customer rating: Turkish Delight Not Your Daddy's Groove Album...Though I Wish it Was! It Grows on You Tantalizing Turkish Musical Potpourri Buy the music. Hear the music. Love the music.

Putumayo Presents: Turkish Groove Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Turkey | Middle East | International | Styles | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Arabic Groove Putumayo Presents: North African Groove Putumayo Presents: Sahara Lounge Putumayo Presents: Paris Putumayo Presents: Latin Lounge ASIN: B000E6ESP8 Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

1. Kirmizi Biber - Bendeniz
2. Kalmadi - Mustafa Sandal
3. Buda - Sertab
4. Pis Pisla - Nilgul
5. Dudu (Ozgur Buldum Remix) - Tarkan
6. Sinanay - Gulseren
7. Kusursuzsun (Acoustic Version) - Emrah
8. Ayrilik Gunu - Goksel
9. Oha Falan Oldum Yani - Tugba Ekinci
10. Atiyosun - Nazan Oncel
11. Sanima Inanma - Sezen Aksu

Amazon.com

In 2005, Putamayo's A&R man, Jacob Edgar, traveled to Turkey, a country that straddles Europe and Asia, hung out in its exotic nightclubs, and produced this compilation. If you were expecting to hear some belly-dancing, snake-charming tunes, this CD's 11 tracks will quickly disabuse you of those cliches. These selections exhibit a funky fusion of central Asia, the Balkans, and the Middle East that also includes rap, hip-hop, electronica, and even suggests Ballywood. Turkey's boy idol Tarkan serves up a spicy fluted-and-strings track on "Dudu," equally matched by Mustafa Sandal's Flamenco-flavored heartthrob number, "Kalmadi," with an evocative stringed instrument called a kanun. The ladies also get their groove on, as evidenced by Sertab Erener's whispery soprano on "Buda" and Nazan Oncel's New York-style rap, "Atiyosun." Turkey is an impressive cultural blend of East and West, and nothing signifies that blend better than its pop music. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Album Description

In 2005, Putumayo's head of A&R, Jacob Edgar traveled to Istanbul to immerse himself in Turkey's culture and discover its music. Though its cities are filled with the ancient architecture of its long history, Turkey is considered one of the most modern Muslim countries in the world. This cultural juxtaposition is most evident in Turkey's contemporary pop music scene, where classical traditions and instrumentation blend with sophisticated global pop and dance music. Turkish Groove, reflects this unique musical mosaic and joins the successful Groove series.

Much like their Western pop counterparts, Turkish stars push the limit of their society's standards of acceptability. As a result, Turkish pop music is crossing over to audiences outside Turkey, making inroads into the contemporary scenes of Europe and Latin America though remaining largely unknown in other parts of the world.

As Turkish pop takes its place on the international stage, its fusions of cultural traditions and modern techniques play to an ever expanding audience. Putumayo's Turkish Groove hopes to serve as an introduction to the contemporary sounds of this culturally rich country.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this CD will be donated to Karnaval Kid in support of their efforts to improve childcare and education for disadvantaged children in Turkey.

Customer Reviews:

Turkish Delight.......2007-07-02

"Turkish Groove" is a tantalizing taste of Turkey;like Edmund in "The Lion,the Witch,and the Wardrobe" one listens to the Turkish Delight and wants more. It's sweet, savory, and from its opening song, it's an amazing journey into the exotic locales of Istanbul and Topkapi. It's a compilation that avoids the bellydancer&harem cliches.

It begins with Bendeniz's rousing "Kirmizi Biber",a catchy song in which a woman complains about her lover's neglect. Mustafa Sandal's "Kalmadi" and Gulseren's "Sinanay" (the latter is a humorous song about giving directions to Istanbul) both deflty weave Latin and Turkish rhythms. Sertab,who looks like a Turkish Trudie Styler (Sting's wife),sings the beautiful Asian-flavored "Buda"...a hypnotic song about finding nirvana like the Buddha. Though Turkey is predominantly Muslim, this song shows that Eastern&New Age spirituality have found inroads in that country bridging Europe and Asia. Turkish heartthrob Tarkan has the catchy "Dudu" (Ozgur Buldum Remix). Think of an Anatolian Justin Timberlake with an exotic,amazing sound and lots of talent. Emrah's "Kusursuzsun (Acoustic Version)" is a memorable song in its simplicity;it also shows how Turkish differs from Arabic. In fact,Turkish is linguistically related to Hungarian (Magyar) and Korean. Goksel's "Ayirilik Gunu" blends Bollywood and retro flavors. Tugba Ekinci's rousing "Oha Falan Oldum Yani",with its exotic instrumentation,is a passionate plea to a cheating lover;Ekinci shows that she has more than sex appeal,but amazing vocals as well. Nazam Oncel's "Atiyosun" is a poetic song about everyday life.

"Turkish Groove" is a compilation of appetizers of Turkish music;now I'd like to explore the music of Tarkan,Sertab,and Goksel further. "Turkish Groove" is a perfect introduction to Turkish music in its variety.It's a fun musical excursion to Istanbul and Topkapi

Not Your Daddy's Groove Album...Though I Wish it Was!.......2007-04-14

Being a big fan of Putumayo's Groove series (having bought and enjoyed World Groove, Asia Groove, African Groove, and even Arabic Groove), I was really looking forward to Turkish Groove. I (mistakenly) figured that since it was in the Groove series it had everything that I was looking for - i.e. a blend of traditional ethnic music with funky Western electronica and/or hip-hop beats. Unfortunately, Turkish Groove fails to deliver on that premise. Unlike a previous reviewer, I found very little "hip-hop" about this album, and was thus disappointed.

Having said that, the (Turkish pop) music on this CD is enjoyable. The music is up-temple and you could probably dance to it - if you try real hard. Just be aware, it's not like some of the other CDs in Putumayo's Groove CD series.

It Grows on You.......2007-04-08

I really like this CD. It is upbeat and has some great dance beats to it. I could have done without the hip hop/pop portions(not a big fan of that type of music) but even with that, it is a very good CD and it is on the player with my other top 3. The first song Bendeniz is great belly dancing music. It really gets the hips moving.
The only reason I gave this CD 4 starts is because of the very few hip hop areas, but even those are begining to grow on me.

Tantalizing Turkish Musical Potpourri .......2007-04-07

We found Turkish Groove to be a great representative sampling of Turkish music. The songs were suitable for dancing, listening to or relaxing to.
We were pleased with the choices selected and have listened to the CD multiple times.

Buy the music. Hear the music. Love the music. .......2006-10-25

I'm a huge Turkophile. Just don't get me started, I'll bore you for hours on how amazing Turkey is. Incredible history. Sublime landscapes. Limpid seas. Beautiful weather. Exquisite food. Gracious hospitality. Some of the most beautiful women (and men, I have on good authority) in the world. One of the most poetic and beautiful languages on the planet.

Not to mention incredible music.

Ah, the music.. Until you've been at a traditional peasant wedding on the Aegean, or to a nightclub in Van where the Kurds are breaking it down the Old School Anatolian way with a traditional eight piece band, well.. you just haven't been there. You haven't really heard it. And you can't know what you're missing. No CD will replicate those sort of experiences.

Not even this one. But it comes sort of close. This disk isn't old school like the music I heard the above mentioned places. But it catches some of that same energy and soul (NB: not soul as in Marvin Gaye, but soul as in Mehmet the Conquerer & the Book of Dede Korkut.) It's froth off the top of the rich Turkish pop scene. Music that's a fusion of the traditional with international pop influences.

And contrary to our Turkish friend from Izmir commenting here, I have to say that it does make sense. It's a nice melange of tunes. A taste of modern Turkey. Afyet olsun, as they say. For someone who's never heard anything from Turkey other than maybe Tarkan, this will prove a tasty morsel. BTW, Tarkmeister's a Turkish version of Ricky Martin, only a hundred thousand nintey nine million times as good. He is the only artist with two songs on this mix.

My favorite tune here is Sinanay, a folk cover, with a great irrepressible bass line. It opens with a Latin American dude asking for directions "Donde esta Istanbul? Estoy perdido aqui!" to which the Turkish girl goes "Istanbul?" And then breaks into poetic song telling the poor goofball how to get there. Just çok comik & wicked güzel, chooch.

Atiyosun deserves special mention, as well. The lyrics- as well as I can gather with my 500 word Turkish vocabulary- are a girl telling a guy to get lost. It's bracingly laconic, relentlessly catchy.

Those are two highlights. Know that there is nary a bad track on this thing.

So buy this disk, slap it on during your next party, and everyone will dig it, I promise you. Your parents, super hip acquintances, dorky friends, annoying roomate, maiden aunt.. Everybody. Why? Because it's groovy. It's Turkish. And - Need I say it? - like all things groovy & Turkish, it rocks.


PS. And be sure to go to Turkiye someday, if only in your dreams.

The Muslims won't hurt you. And more than a few Turks will welcome, even embrace you. You will always savour & never regret it.

Average customer rating: Yet again a Great! Album,, from putumaya Manhattan wannabees ? great songs... Good collection Music for Manhattans,martinis,and mimosas

Putumayo Presents: A New Groove Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Putumayo Presents: Women of the World - Acoustic Putumayo Presents: Gypsy Groove Putumayo Presents: One World, Many Cultures Putumayo Presents: Turkish Groove Putumayo Presents: North African Groove ASIN: B000KHYOE6 Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

1. In The Back Of The Car - Emo
2. Dirty Laundy - Bitter:Sweet
3. Unrock - Gabriel Rios
4. The Lost Song - The Cat Empire
5. High Up On The Hook - Alice Russell
6. Crabbuckit - K-os
7. L.I.N.N. - Linn & Freddie
8. The Hop - Radio Citizen
9. Everything - Jehro
10. Until The Morning (Rewound By Kid Loco) - Thievery Corporation

Amazon.com

For their latest excursion into the arch, increasingly mainstream land of multi-kulti groove-meister pastiches, Putumayo has chosen a more forward-leaning direction -- or have they? As time goes on, music of this genre, with its tendency toward faux-ironic, retro-glam-showbiz quotes and neo-hipster attitude, far from being on the cutting edge, is beginning to seem downright cozy and nostalgic. For example the singer on Bitterweet's "Dirty Laundry," wreathed in chirpy girl-group references, refers to herself as a "bad girl." What can that possibly mean in the industrial West, at the dawn of the present millennium, when pretty much anything goes? Did she wear fur, patronize an unfashionable tatooist, forget to recycle? K-Os, from Canada, again looks over its shoulder, this time to The Last Poets and Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack" -- not boring but hardly newsworthy or thought-provoking. Many of these bands seem to be playing at being shady characters to impress their friends and audiences. The tunes are elegant, studied and even sporadically barbed. But truly dangerous artistic statements tend to be created by obsessed, passionate loose cannons, not anal retentive poseurs indulging in self-conscious theatrics. --Christina Roden

Album Description

On A New Groove, Putumayo continues its exploration of new sounds by collecting tracks from a variety of DJs, producers and musicians who may have started out as bedroom producers but have transmitted themselves far beyond the confines of those four walls.

A New Groove features high-powered performances by a bevy of musicians from across the globe. The London-based Alice Russel brings her signature sound of funk and fun to the lush 70's-esque orchestration of "High Up on the Hook," while Canadian emcee K-Os hip hops his way through the half b-boy, half zoot suit adventure that is "Crabbuckit", a gem from his second album Joyful Rebellion. On the head-nodding "L.I.N.N.", Stockholm-based but internationally-known producer Freddie Cruger, a.k.a. Red Astaire, is joined by the silver-tongued Linn, who's been called Sweden's Jill Scott.

The album gains its balance with other artists who step in to help cool down the pace. The recognizable grooves of Thievery Corporation get a gentle reworking from Kid Loco on "Until the Morning" while the Puerto Rico-born, Brussels-based Gabriel Rios weds his old-school Latin roots with his love for modern production and melody on the quirky "Unrock." Other musical globetrotters, including France's newest sensation Jehro and Australia's latest success story The Cat Empire, lend their sensibilities and expertise to round out this eclectic collection of artists.

Customer Reviews:

Yet again a Great! Album,, from putumaya .......2007-05-07

If you want an album that,s fresh and cool to listen or dance to then this is the album you should have!!

Manhattan wannabees ?.......2007-04-01

When I think of Manhattan (and martinis) creativity and originality come to mind. That is not what I hear when I listen to the sampler, which sounds rather pretentious and shallow to me. If that is what some people associate with Manhattan they do not know the place and neither do they know what a good mix of pop, hiphop and jazz is. Skip Putumayo Groove and try Tourist by St Germain to get a taste of the genre. Three stars, because Putumayo makes nice looking covers and thorough background texts.

great songs..........2007-03-31

i really like this cd. i have many putumayo cds and this is a good one! my only little complaint is i wish it were longer. it would be perfect with 2-3 more songs!

Good collection.......2007-03-24

This is a cool, bluesy, jazzy, textured collection of very interesting songs. Not the kind of stuff you will hear on the radio. I am enjoying it immensely.

Music for Manhattans,martinis,and mimosas.......2007-03-22

"A New Groove" is,so far,Putumayo's best release this year. It can be considered a groovier version of Putumayo's "Euro Lounge" with its artists from Denmark, the UK, Germany, France, and Sweden.

"A New Groove" takes smooth jazz and gives it a beat,be it reggae,dub,or trip-hop. Emo's dub-flavored "In the Back of the Car" is a perfect opener. Bitter:Sweet's "Dirty Laundry" (which is now being used in ABC promos for "Ugly Betty" and "Grey's Anatomy")is a tongue in-cheek take on big band. Gabriel Rios' "Unrock" has a sophisticated Latin twist. The Cat Empire (not to be confused with Cat Power) has the hypnotic "Lost Song" and Radio Citizen&Bajka's "Hop" is equally mesmerizing. K-Os and Jehro use the reggae beat in their songs. Thievery Corporation, with Emiliana Torrini (she of the overrated "Gollum's Song" in the "Two Towers" movie) close with the soothing "Until the Morning",as if the album were for a hip nightclub,and this song announced the dawn.

"A New Groove" is music fit for Manhattans,martinis,and mimosas.Unfortunately,it clocks in at only 38 minutes.It's a bit short,but the entire album is pure,jazzy fun."A New Groove" takes jazz and gives it a refreshing spin.

Average customer rating: Danc-al-scious! groovy!

Putumayo Presents: Gypsy Groove Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Mexico | International | Styles | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Latin Music | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Putumayo Presents: A New Groove Putumayo Presents: Women of the World - Acoustic Putumayo Presents: Turkish Groove Rodrigo y Gabriela (with Bonus DVD) Putumayo Presents: World Party ASIN: B000MM1F6O Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

1. Zsa Manca - Deladap
2. Bucovina - Shantel
3. Jednou - Gipsy.Cz
4. Sadagora Hot Dub - Amsterdam Klezmer Band
5. Sunday Arak - Balkan Beat Box
6. Yor Uzga - Karen Gafurdjanov
7. Zh Ne Sui Pa Pur Tua - Magnifico & Turbolentza
8. Sut Ictim Dilim Yandi - Anselmo Crew
9. Viragok A Reten - Kistehen Taczenekar
10. Amari Szi, Amari - Luminescent Orchestrii
11. Vino Lubirea Mea - Eastenders

Album Description

Though often misrepresented and romanticized, the Roma people have had a fascinating history. Leaving the Indus Valley more than 1,000 years ago, they migrated first to the Middle East and Eastern Europe and then to the rest of the world, making an impact on the cultures with which they came into contact. They earned reputations as master musicians and entertainers whose influences can be heard in a variety of genres, including flamenco, Jewish klezmer and the works of Dvorák, Rachmaninov and other classical composers. Now, modern day music makers from a variety of backgrounds are mining this rich legacy to create a movement that's gained dance floor disciples around the world.

A portion of Putumayo's proceeds from Gypsy Groove will be donated to the Roma Education Fund in support of its policies and programs that promote quality education for Gypsy children.

Customer Reviews:

Danc-al-scious!.......2007-05-17

This collection is fantastico. It gets me toes jumpin' all the day. If you like the gypsy thing and want to get the house down - buy it.

groovy!.......2007-05-03

I work at a bookstore and we get a lot of free promotional copies. The other day I picked this cd up and was blown away! We played it in store and when the first song came on, people were dancing and tapping their toes in the aisles. These rustic songs take you to another world and are upbeat and fun. I want to own many more putumayo cds thanks to gypsy groove. This is a wonderful collection of songs and I recommend this cd to anybody who enjoys world music, or music in general.

Average customer rating: comme ci comme ça One of the better Putumayo CDs A Middle Eastern mixed bag More music to stimulate your life. Groove, indeed!

Putumayo Presents: North African Groove Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Putumayo Presents: Turkish Groove Arabic Groove Putumayo Presents: Afro-Latin Party Putumayo Presents: Sahara Lounge Putumayo Presents: Latin Lounge ASIN: B00080Z75U Release Date: 2005-06-20

Tracks:

1. Montuno Noreno - Jomed
2. Aal Eah - Samira Saeid
3. Nour El Ain - Amr Diab
4. Si Tu Le Veux - Faudel
5. Un Mot De Toi - Rhany
6. Dis-Moi Pourquoi - Amina
7. Bahebbak - Cheb Jilani
8. Sidi - Hamid Baroudi
9. Ya-Rayi - Khaled
10. Viens Habibi - Cheb Mami
11. Hanina - Mohamed Mounir
12. On The Ride - Eastenders

Amazon.com

You'd be forgiven if, after listening to North African Groove, the seventh release in Putumayo's dance floor-ready "Groove" series, you imagined that the world was getting smaller. In highlighting the diversity in contemporary Arabic music, the 12 eclectic tracks here gather influences from far beyond North Africa--from the Gypsy Kings-style flamenco touches of Egyptian Amr Diab's "Nour Al Ain" to the old-style Cuban salsa of Jomed's "Montuno Noreno" to the French-style accordion that enlivens the funky Rai of Cheb Mami's "Viens Habibi." Of course, this being a compilation with "Groove" in the title, most everything has club beats that could come from anywhere, although everything is filtered through a North African lens. A case in point is Rai--the backbeat-heavy style from Algeria that mixes American funk with Arabic instruments and melodies and which is ably represented here by Algerian superstar Khaled's "Aicha" and "Ya-Rayi," as well as the less familiar (to Western ears, anyway) Rhany and Faudel. Perhaps most surprising though is the link bared between North Africa and Latin America--which might seem unexpected until one considers the Moorish influence on Spanish music and the Spanish influence on Latin music, proving that no, the world isn't getting smaller: it's always been that way. --Ezra Gale

Album Description

With the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Sahara Desert to the south, North Africa serves as a crossroad between many cultures. The Atlantic coast of Morocco forms the Western boundary of North Africa and the Suez Canal in Egypt its eastern end. Most of North Africa is known as the Maghreb and includes the countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Egypt, which is generally considered part of the Middle East, is geographically part of North Africa.

Echoes of ancient history can still be heard in the rhythms and melodies of North Africa's popular music. While electronic drum beats, disco and funk-inspired grooves, hip-hop and other Western influences are clearly apparent in the modern music of the region, traditional instrumentation, singing techniques and melodies play an important role in defining the local sound.

The two best known types of popular music from North Africa are raï and al-jil. Raï means "opinion" in Arabic, and it developed in the Algerian port city of Oran in the 1950s and 60s. Raï is the North African equivalent of rock and roll and is now popular throughout the Maghreb and in Arabic communities around the world. Al-jil is Egyptian party music. While raï and al-jil still form the core of popular North African music, Moroccan Gnawa trance, Touareg blues, Berber folk and Afro-Nubian rhythms are some of the exotic local flavors that have influenced the region's music.

In recent years, the French cities of Paris and Marseilles have become important production centers for North African music, and many popular artists are beginning to create songs that target their own communities as well as a wider French market. Meanwhile, European DJs and producers have collaborated with artists from the region, and the influences of electronica and European club music are ever more evident.

Customer Reviews:

comme ci comme ça.......2007-06-14

From Putumayo, I'd expected something a bit more "ethnic" but a couple of the tunes were just pop tunes. A couple of the cuts are great!

One of the better Putumayo CDs.......2006-12-14

Luckily, my local library stocks most of the Putumayo CDs, so I can try them out before I buy them. I have found the Putumayo CDs to be hit or miss. I love some and don't care for others. This is one of my favorites. Along with the World Groove, African Groove, South Islands Groove and Women of Africa.

A Middle Eastern mixed bag.......2006-09-27

I enjoyed "Arabic Groove";after 5 years,it is still marvelous."Sahara Lounge" is the best of Putumayo's Arabic compilations."Cairo to Casablanca" is the worst of Putumayo's Arabic compilations;it has too many repetitive songs.

Where does that put "North African Groove"?Somewhere in the middle.It's neither an absolute bore,but it's better combined with other Arabic albums and put on random shuffle.

Jomed's opening "Montuno Noreno" spicily combines Cuban&North African music,as well as electric effects.Samira Saeid's "Aal Eah" is a great dance song;she's the Moroccan equivalent of Britney Spears,but MUCH better.Amina's "Dis-Moi Pourquoi" has a great beat.Cheb Jilani's "Bahebbak"is a danceable love song.Hamid Baroudi's "Sidi" is disappointing;it's repetitive&dull,unlike his "Caravan II Baghdad" on Putumayo's out-of-print "New World Party" as well as his mesmerizing "Trance Dance" on Putumayo's still in print "World Lounge."Khaled's "Ya-Rayi" shows the "King of Rai" in top form.It's infectious.Cheb Mami's "Viens Habibi" is alright,but the "Prince of Rai" has done much,much better on his albums "Meli Meli"&"Saida." In this song,his sound is too Westernized;it fit in Sting's "Desert Rose" (his ululations made that song exotic),but this time his music is rendered dull.Mohamed Mounir's "Hanina" is excellent,bringing in Nubian rhyth,s.If you're curious,a remix of it by Jasmon is on Putumayo's "Sahara Lounge." It was interesting on my 5-CD player to first hear the Jasmon remix of "Hanina",then the original,thinking,"I've heard this before!"

"North African Groove" is a good introduction to Arabic music.If you want to hear some GREAT Arabic music,listen to Natacha Atlas and Cheb Mami.It's a musical world worth exploring.

More music to stimulate your life........2006-06-05

Hey, hey, hey, don't let this CD pass you by. Okay let's get one thing straight, African, Mediterranean, and Gypsy music are the best sounds on the market. Why? Because those are origins of our roots, and check the women how provocative they are when they dance the Latin beat. I have to write a review every time I have an encounter with these women and the music goes along with the adventure. Some of these friends check Amazon.com to see if I wrote some thing about them and the music they introduced me, it makes them happy. This CD is a must for the Arabic listener. The music is awesome and so are the women! I'm lucky because not only do I get to enjoy the music and share the women, my wife is very open minded too! But don't take my word for it. Click on all the selections.

Groove, indeed!.......2006-04-30

I heard this music playing in the background as I shopped in the museum store at the Fields Museum in Chicago. It was so infectious that I inquired what it was and bought one. I loved that it was a hybrid between mediterranean, latin, hip hop, jazz and middle-eastern. At least that's how I described it to the three friends who listened to the clips on Amazon at my suggestion, and bought it, too.

This is really great, "dance around the house while you're cleaning" music. It could also be great exercise music, or background at a dinner party. Very upbeat, very fun, very full of life. Impossible to be unhappy while listening to this!

Average customer rating: Forget it hip stuff The most relaxing/upbeat mix out there...

Putumayo Presents: World Groove Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Mexico | International | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Latin Music | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Putumayo Presents World Lounge Putumayo Presents: Euro Lounge Putumayo Presents: North African Groove Arabic Groove Putumayo Presents: Latin Lounge ASIN: B0002F7M6I Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

1. Attention - Rouge Rouge
2. Aya Benzer (Royal G's R&B Mix) - Mustafa Sandal
3. Ich Weiss Warum - 2Raumwohnung
4. Sous Le Soleil (Cuba Mix) - Major Boys
5. Nogo - Issa Bagayogo
6. Miss.Q.In - Zap Mama
7. Parisien Du Nord (Remix) - Cheb Mami/K-Mel
8. Ama-Gents (Club Mix) - Brenda Fassie
9. El Sopon De Yuya - Edesio
10. Saharony Ellil - Ragheb Alama

Amazon.com

World Groove offers plenty of take-no-prisoners mixes. Turkish star Mustafa Sandal's "Aya Benzer" gets a chunky R&B remix from DJ Royal Gardens while Algerian raï superstar Cheb Mami goes urban on "Parisien du Nord." Pick hit: Belgian-Congolese girl-band Zap Mama seemingly channeling Eartha Kitt over a not-terribly-ladylike drum n' bass undertow on "Miss.Q.In." --Christina Roden

Album Description

World Groove is a global dance party featuring the hottest blends of world music with electronica, dance and more. The first pressing includes a bonus CD sampler with tracks from Putumayo's best-selling Groove and Lounge collections.

Customer Reviews:

Forget it.......2005-09-14

Normally, the Putumayo label churns out excellent records , this CD is so BORING.There's nothing groovy about CD
RL

hip stuff.......2005-08-02

nice and smooth groove for late night rendezvous experience... has good continuity... nothing stands out -- not earthshaking -- but definitely fills a worthwhile niche...

The most relaxing/upbeat mix out there..........2004-11-22

I must say, I first listened to this album because the cover looked interesting, and good thing. It drew me right in. I listened to the first song....great, lazy music with relaxing beats, good for nodding your head to. But the suprizing thing was, nearly evey track after #1 was good too. I highly suggest this for anyone looking for something new and fresh.

Average customer rating: Insightful A Great CD! TRAILBLAZING CD awesome A solid fusion of sounds

Putumayo Presents: Latin Groove Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Compilations | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Latin Music | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Putumayo Presents: Nuevo Latino Putumayo Presents: Latin Lounge Putumayo Presents: Afro-Latin Party Brazilian Groove Putumayo Presents: Baila - A Latin Dance Party ASIN: B000060P7Z Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

1. El Carretero - Barrio Cubano de Ronald Rubinel
2. Salsita - Sin Palabras
3. Linda Manigua - Sidestepper
4. El Estuche - Los Aterciopelados
5. Soy Callejero - Los Mocosos
6. Chan Chan - El Conjunto Massalia
7. Latin Flavour - Funkanzazenji
8. Bizcocho Amargo - Si*Se
9. Yorulamento - Supatone
10. Sensemaya - Carlos de Nicaragua & Familia
11. Cumbia De Los Muertos - Ozomatli

Amazon.com

On Latin Groove, classic Latin traditions are transformed to the brink of mutation, but their native elegance is left intact. Funkanzazenji weave flamenco guitars and kora-like glissandi through sturdy colonnades of drum & bass on "Latin Flavor." El Conjunto Massalia's "Chan Chan" is based on a son by Compay Segundo, but veers off into Steve Cropper guitar riffs and prurient, Serge Gainsbourg-like vocals. "Yorulamento," by the German-based producer Supatone, mutates a stately charanga string section via reverberant synths and drum machines. Colombian rockers Los Aterciopelados, with their slap-happy montuno/house rhythms and whiskey-voiced chanteuse, are silkily subversive, while Ozomatli's "Cumbia de los Muertos" grounds a Mexican cumbia with heavy hits of reggae and hip-hop. As with Putumayo's Arabic Groove and World Lounge compilations, these tracks are post cards from the world music frontier, where mischievous, culturally promiscuous DJs are constantly inventing breathtaking new hybrids. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Insightful.......2006-06-12

This is one of the best putumayo.
It reminds me of congo to cuba, salsa around the world, afro-latin party and afro-latino and more! It has the same style but at the same time, it's unique in its own way.
The music is wonderful, and if you take the time to listen to the instruments, you will be astonished, because there is never a dull moment on this CD.

A Great CD!.......2005-04-29

When it comes to Latin music, I'm pretty ignorant. That is, until I became the lucky winner of a contest to win some Putumayo Latin music CDs. The only Latin-sounding CDs in my collection previously included names like Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony and Ricky Martin--so you can see why I needed some help. I have since learned there is much more to this genre than "Livin' La Vida Loca." Latin aficionados recommend we Latin "virgins" start with compilations like the ones from Putumayo, an innovative label established in 1993 that blends traditional and contemporary global sounds together, creating a unique aural experience. On March 12, 2002, Putumayo's "Latin Groove," was released, the second in its "Groove" series (the first, "Arabic Groove") to combine the flavorful and varied styles and influences in Latin music.
Latin music is known for its versatility, spanning the globe with different styles and traditions. The latest Latin trend is the mixture of classic sounds with the newer sounds of electronica and hip-hop to create soulful beats. "Latin Groove" gives good basic training into this creative joining of old-school with modern. The first track is "El Carretero," or "The Cart Driver," by Barrio Cubano de Ronald Rubinel. Rubinel is a Parisian producer whose latest obsession consists of upgrading French Caribbean folk music with the likes of hip-hop, rap and pop. This song has elements of the classic Cuban guajira-acoustic guitar-with added drumbeats and rap. Funky and Santana-esque is the song, "Soy Callejero," by Los Mocosos, a San Francisco-based band whose work fuses hip-hop, ska, swing, rock, salsa, boogaloo and Mexican corridos (ballad-type songs dating back to the 19th century). A cool blend of electronica, flamenco guitar and Afro-Cuban riffs is evident in "Bizcocho Amargo" by Si*Se. The song is reminiscent of Dido with its hypnotic melody. "El Estuche" by Los Aterciopelados, a Grammy-nominated Columbian rock band, is a funky blend of hip-hop and Cuban son (19th century dance performed by percussion alone). "Cumbia De Los Muertos" by Ozomatli mixes Mexican cumbia (a blend of West African rhythm, Spanish lyrics and Caribbean flutes and whistles), reggae, hip-hop and rap to relate the story of the living dancing with loved ones from the past.
So I've learned that whatever the mix is, whether it is Cuban, Mexican or Caribbean with new-school hip-hop, electronica or rock, it is good, it is fun and it is soulful. And perhaps, what I've learned the most out of this listening experience is that Latin singers can carry a tune-unlike most pop/rock singers in America today. Check out the 22-year-old granddaughter of Rafael Lay, a Cuban music legend, Yaimi Lay as she promises to give us a "little salsa" in "Salsita" with Sin Palabras, a Cuban collective of musicians, DJs and artists. For more great Latinas, listen to Putumayo's CD by that name, showcasing the voices of Latin women who use their music to celebrate their cultures and traditions and protest against injustice.
For all those interested in Putumayo, the label originated as a clothing line started in 1975 by Dan Storper. Eighteen years later, the company began putting out music compilations. In 1997, Storper sold the company, which has produced over 60 CDs. The following year, it signed its first artist, Ricardo Lemvo. In 2001, Miriam Makeba's Homeland CD, of the Putumayo label, was nominated for a Grammy. -- Dina Di Maio

TRAILBLAZING CD.......2004-07-20

Folks hear me out. In my quest for salsa music that blends with hip hop and funk to also fuse the two styles of dance in my salsa dancing, I have reached my mecca in finding this CD. I've been searching for more more more music like it ever since. I only ask that Putumayo please MAKE MORE of these funky, salsa hip hop CD's. I for one plan to use this music especially Funkanzazenji's Latin Flavor, Supatone's Yorulamento or Sidestepper's Linda Manigua for dance performance(s). I'm even trying to find out if each of the artists has other CD's. If anyone knows please enlighten me. Anyhow this is by far the very best of the Putumayo World Music collaborations. It's cutting edge, pioneering, and trailblazing. I am ravenous for more!!!!!

awesome.......2004-02-13

this cd is great i like that it has a traditional sound with modern twists. it is great to dance to if you love to shake it to latin music this is a definite buy. it will get everyone on the san diego cadance floor!!!

A solid fusion of sounds.......2003-08-07

Being Cuban born, raised in the US and a long time DJ I have been able to sample a variety of sounds specially living in South Florida. Nothing like this has EVER been heard in any of our "Major" market radio stations locally, this is the only way you can experience this type of sound. Hip Hop, pop, samplings, old classic Cuban songs,funk, electronica and DJ remixes all blended in this awesome CD. My only disappointmet with this product is that it has ONLY 11 tracks, I would have loved MORE music.Anyhow, buy it, you will enjoy if you are into this genre. Be warned this is NOT typical Cuban music, it is a fusion of the above mentioned with some cuban classics. All I can say is WHEN IS PUTUMAYO RELEASING LATIN GROOVE 2?!

Average customer rating: You'll have this in heavy rotation Get in the (African) Groove! Soothing Tunes Amazing African Groove Pure Listening Pleasure

Putumayo Presents: African Groove Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Arabic Groove Putumayo Presents: North African Groove Asian Groove Africa Putumayo Presents: Latin Groove ASIN: B00008JL85 Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

1. Save Mogo Bana Issa Bagayogo
2. Boroto Badenya les freres Coulibaly
3. Mokote Madeka
4. Kalicom Julien Jacob
5. Vadzimu A Peace of Ebony
6. Uhiki (Pinyes Remix) Hardstone
7. Wouyouma Positive Black Soul
8. Bouba (Cool) Dady Mimbo
9. The Lagos Communique Thievery Corporation
10. One for Senegal The Pleb
11. Khululuma African Rhythm Travellers
12. Mofolo Hall Ndumiso

Amazon.com

This ain't your daddy's Afrobeat, but a prime sampler of cutting-edge urban dance grooves by African artists. Of course, most non-classical Western styles can trace their essence to the continent anyway. But now, as American and European pop saturate the world's airwaves and the internet is omnipresent, enthusiastic cross-pollination in the opposite direction has also become commonplace. Ancient tribal traditions are colliding--and colluding--with hip-hop, funk, reggae, and electronica, incorporating every imaginable sound-manipulation technology with compulsively danceable results. The set opens with a spine-loosening, mid-tempo floor-warmer by Mali's techno Issa Bagayogo, and progresses through a small universe where synth patches, wah-wahs, programmed beats, and manipulated voices coexist with talking drums, balafons, and hypnotic tribal chants. Musicians from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa are all heard from, and the beauty of these tracks is in how their birthrights somehow emerge transformed, but triumphantly unadulterated. -- Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

You'll have this in heavy rotation.......2007-01-29

Love it! Bought it for my fiance for Xmas and we both totally dig it. Worth every penny.

Get in the (African) Groove!.......2006-09-08

This is one of Putumayo's best Groove compilations (other than Brazilian&Arabic).It's a great introduction to African techno music,danceable and accessible.

Highlights-
1)Saye Mogo Bana-I wonder why Putumayo borrows from Six Degrees,the purveyor of great world techno albums.Putumayo excels at acoustic.Still,this is a wonderful track from Issa Bagayogo that blends traditional Malian music with contemporary dance.
2)Mokote-Madeka is a delightful singer,no wonder she is compared with Angelique Kidjo.
3)Kalicom-Intensely rhythmical and beautiful.Very haunting.
4)Wouyouma-Inspiring Senegalese rap.Very different from the awful hip-hop here that glorifies violence&drugs.Positive Black Soul is TRULY positive!
5)Lagos Communique-A great from the Thievery Corporation.
6)One for Senegal-Wodnerful tribute to Toure Kunda.
7)Mofolo Hall-Very jazzy instrumental.

This album is for anyone who enjoys African music!This is definitely Afropop!

Soothing Tunes.......2006-07-17

Amazing Tunes, and they are also soothing. Nice to dance to also. Putumayo does it again

Amazing African Groove.......2005-02-05

This Album is definetly a winner, the combination of traditional afro beats mixed with Electronica is such a refreshing sound from the current trend of monotonous sounds in the dance music scene today. Pick up this album and check out any globally influenced, Dance, Electronica, House, Lounge Groove, Hip Hop, Soul music liek Euro Lounge, Sahara Lounge and World Groove.

Pure Listening Pleasure.......2004-09-10

I bought this CD over a month ago and I haven't listened to anything else since. As a former African resident and lover of reggae this music does feel like coming home. Though modernized and more electronic the music definitely captures the essence of Africa, the mixed cultures and languages - I never tire of it. You will not be disappointed.

Rock Music:

1. Quiet Letters: U.S. Edition
2. Resta in Ascolto
3. Rive Gauche Rio
4. Ronroco
5. Sabla Tolo: Journeys into Pure Egyptian Percussion
6. Sacred Spirit: Chants And Dances Of The Native Americans
7. Sacred Tibetan Chant [Live]
8. Sensations
9. Tango: Zero Hour
10. The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Rock Music

rock music

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