The Rough Guide to the Music of Venezuela

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If you think that Venezuelan music is all about the fiery salsa jams of Oscar D'Leon and La Dimension Latina, prepare yourself to be enlightened. As celebrated in this eye opening volume from the Rough Guide series, Venezuela's musical riches cover a wide array of styles and genres, from the lilting joropo and the festive gaita to the South American nation's own brand of calypso. Still, most of the 19 tracks here have a few elements in common: soulful female choruses, earthy touches of African-influenced percussion, and gorgeous cascades of string instruments. Besides uncovering indispensable--though relatively obscure--artists such as Quinto Criollo and Vasallos del Sol, compiler Dan Rosenberg has been wise enough to select lesser-known tunes by the expected favorites. The most charismatic vocalist in contemporary salsa, D'Leon is not represented by one of his many hits, but rather by the brassy "Ariel" and the sinuous "Los Cadetes." The only serious omission? The big-band swing of Billo's Caracas Boys and the rock en espanol lounge of Los Amigos Invisibles are sorely missing from this otherwise perfect disc. --Ernesto Lechner

The Rough Guide to the Music of Venezuela,Various Artists,World Music Network,Int'l & World Music,Latin Vocal Collections,Pop,V/A Compilations,Venezuela,World Music

Average customer rating: Suenos venezolanos Que bonita es la musica de Venezuela

The Rough Guide to the Music of Venezuela Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Venezuela | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mis Canciones: My Songs The Rough Guide to the Music of Mexico The Rough Guide to the Music of Argentina The Rough Guide to the Music of Central America The Rough Guide to Salsa Colombia ASIN: B0000CNXD9 Release Date: 2003-11-17

Tracks:

1. Caracas, Caracas - Un Solo Pueblo
2. Madrugada Llanera - Mario Suarez
3. Deshonestidad - Guaco
4. Gavilan - Dimension Latina
5. Ariel - Oscar D'Leon Y Sus Amigos
6. La Paloma - Quinto Criollo
7. Mosaico Tradicional - Tambor Urbano
8. Las Tres Damas - Saul Vera
9. Malembe - Raices De Chuspa
10. Moliendo Cafe - Hugo Blanco
11. Caballo Viejo - Simon Diaz
12. Viva Venezuela - Un Solo Pueblo
13. Palo Palo - Maracaibo 15
14. Los Cadetes - Oscar D'Leon Y Sus Amigos
15. Calipso De El Callao - Alberto Naranjo Y Su Trabuco
16. El Meneito - Grupo Barlovento
17. Julio Moreno/Linda Manana - Vasallos Del Sol
18. Pajarillo Revuelto - Bandolas de Venezuela
19. Pajarillo Verde - Soledad Bravo

Amazon.com

If you think that Venezuelan music is all about the fiery salsa jams of Oscar D'Leon and La Dimension Latina, prepare yourself to be enlightened. As celebrated in this eye opening volume from the Rough Guide series, Venezuela's musical riches cover a wide array of styles and genres, from the lilting joropo and the festive gaita to the South American nation's own brand of calypso. Still, most of the 19 tracks here have a few elements in common: soulful female choruses, earthy touches of African-influenced percussion, and gorgeous cascades of string instruments. Besides uncovering indispensable--though relatively obscure--artists such as Quinto Criollo and Vasallos del Sol, compiler Dan Rosenberg has been wise enough to select lesser-known tunes by the expected favorites. The most charismatic vocalist in contemporary salsa, D'Leon is not represented by one of his many hits, but rather by the brassy "Ariel" and the sinuous "Los Cadetes." The only serious omission? The big-band swing of Billo's Caracas Boys and the rock en espanol lounge of Los Amigos Invisibles are sorely missing from this otherwise perfect disc. --Ernesto Lechner

Customer Reviews:

Suenos venezolanos.......2005-07-08

I'm surprised that a compilation could so capture me. This music haunts me. Venezuelan music in all its myriad forms can have that effect. It comes wafting over the radio waves into neighboring Colombia and Trinidad and our mouths hang open in astonishment. Sometimes we wipe a nostalgic tear, often we get up and dance, sometimes we press our ears to the speakers to figure out "what is that instrument they are playing?" Well here is an eclectic mix of what Venezuela has to offer, without the static on the radio. You can answer for yourself why their Boleros are so heavenly and bittersweet, why their Palo sounds so African, why their Parranda is so hearty, why their voices are so salty and full of life's pathos.
And then there are things on here that you cannot categorize so easily...typically syncretic:Venezolana tipical.

Que bonita es la musica de Venezuela.......2004-06-30

This album is a great introduction to musica Venezolana and is also a great CD period for those of us who already know and love the diverse styles and sounds that come from the beautiful country. I can proudly say that I descend from the rich and varied culture of Venezuela on my father's side. I really wanted to learn more about my music and all the variations of its genres and flavors.

A ROUGH GUIDE TO THE MUSIC OF VENEZUELA takes a great sampling from musicians and styles (llanera waltz, Afro-Venezuelan music, joropo, gaita...and, of course, it wouldn't be the same without a couple of tracks from "El Leon" himself, Oscar de Leon). Some of my favorite tracks are the gorgeous "Gavilan," a catchy and danceable salsa track, "Caballo Viejo," a traditional llanera tune, "Pajarillo Revuelto," a song with gorgeous accompaniment, and the touching "Pajarillo Verde" (recorded by the legendary Soledad Brava).

I cannot begin to reccomend this album to you enough! Please give it a listen. There are so many beautiful types of Latin music that go beyond salsa! (I say this with full respect because I love salsa as well. It's just well worth exploring the rich sounds of other rhythms and voices you might not be familiar with.)

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