Super-Chill-Jazzy-Latin-Lounge Goodness
579651
This collection of CDs has a wonderful variety of great nujazz, lounge, or call it what you will. This is just great music. I play this frequently for my parents, others, as background at a party - always with great comments from people. Also, you can't beat the price on 3 cds! Don't debate this too long, you won't be disappointed.
3342132
In order to escape the ever-present chaos/depressions of the world around us, sometimes you just need to sit back and CHILL, and while there are many chillout compilations available, I highly doubt any of them will touch you quite as deep as this one will. I first heard 'Spiritual Chillout' as I was browsing through a wiccan/pagan store called Journey Books one day during my summer vacation and track 5 ("Sky Chill" by Mysteria) was playing overhead and I knew this was going to be something special. I come across a lot of great music but rarely does one take complete and utter hold of me such as this cd has. The songs don't flow together like a trance, per say, but the brief silences between each track meld to form a whole. It's as if you become unaware of one cut ending and the other beginning. They all sound different and yet they're a part of each other - like an infinite circle of union. Lesiem opens up with the divinely powerful "Humilitas" from their forthcoming 'Auracle' album but it hardly goes downhill from there. A Moby-esqued "In My Soul" by Mysteria and the sexy downtempo lounge of "Love Glitch" by Govinda continues the climb, but it only gets better. "Metamorphosis" by Eden is a sweeping melody of epic proportions, drawing all sorts of emotions from within you with a passionate sireness lulling you, yet with the intensity of one wailing, and the exhilarating world grooves of "River" has always been a personal favorite of mine by the underrated Ikarus. But closing the set is [wherever you may go...] "Go Gently" by Gaia, which is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful songs I've ever had the blessed pleasure of hearing before with sweet female vocals that remind me a lot of Rose Moore. And before that is the instrumental "Elements" by Monica Ramos that features some lovely harpist playing. What I was most surprised with, though, was "Recordare" by Magna Canta. I thought they were going to sound like another Era rip-off with the Gregorian singing and ambient, electronic beats, and albeit they do resemble them, they can definitely hold their own with gorgeous, melodic rhythms.

I could honestly rave about every track here but I'm frankly running out of ways to express how mind-blowing this album truly is! The strength of the songs throughout never falter in sublime/heavenly material, the selection is unpredictable and, I must say, David Evey did an excellent job at compiling the pieces chosen for this record. And even though I know it will be incredibly hard to beat, I pray they release a vol. 2 for this magnificent series!
1182084
This is an outstanding compilation of instrumental grooves, more on the light and breezy side of the funk spectrum, with a definite jazz and fusion vibe. The compilers did a very good job of putting this collection of tunes together, and as noted by other reviewers, there are some very hard-to-find rarities on here. The choices are all solid ones and more importantly the music really FLOWS. To my ears, there aren't any dead spots at all. You have an abundance of great music over the course of the two discs. Favorites include several vibe-happy pieces by Roy Ayers, some cool Kool & The Gang pieces, that smokin' Wayne Henderson track, the underrated Sea Level with an extended version of "Sneakers", two fine tunes from the mighty Mandrill, and ... oh man, there are just too many goodies to list. Suffice to say, if you enjoy this era of 1970s soul-jazz, fusion, and funk, you'll find plenty to like on this two-disc set.
4427497
This CD is a wonderful combination of slow, soothing, sexy, upbeat music that makes you want to keep on listening to it. I won't call it full-on, traditional jazz with multiple instruments..etc. - it's more slow jazz with a little acid/electronic vibe - a nice combination of beats/rhythms/taps which allows for easy listening. The album starts off with slow but soothing music, with a surreal ambience that captures you, then progresses to faster, more upbeat, funky-jazzy music during the 2nd half of the CD.

If you like music such as that of Robert Miles, St. Germain..etc., i.e., music which soothes you yet pumps you up and makes you envision yourself in some sort of fantasy-setting, I'm sure you will enjoy this CD as much as I do.
4325777
This third installment of the ongoing series - "THE COLORS OF LATIN JAZZ - SOUL SAUCE" by Concord Records highlights the best performances in one of the most colorful of musical genres, the combination of Latin and  Jazz.  This collection is hot, incessantly groovin', can turn any gathering  into an instant Latin jazz party.  Many tracks are soulful, with the funky  side of Latin jazz, which gives us "Soul Sauce".
Stand outs -  "WATERMELON MAN" featuring Poncho Sanchez with special guest  Mongo Santamaria - "OYE COMO VA" with the one-and-only Tito  Puente and His Latin Ensemble - "GUACHI GUARO (SOUL SAUCE)" a  soul-beat experience featuring Cal Tjader - "RUM & COKE (CUBA  LIBRE)" non-stop Latin rhythm with Ed Calle.
This is one to have, a  great addition to your collection - "THE COLORS OF LATIN JAZZ!"  Concord Records, what will you think of next?
Total Time: 56:55 on 11  Tracks/ Concord Records - CCD 5302 2 (2000)
494155
This 1995 entry in the lounge revival is a real sleeper. While Combustible Edison and others generated more national attention, Altruda put together a recording that relies less on retro-kitsch and more on sophisticated arrangements and fine playing. Henry Mancini is an obvious touch-point for this effort, with the maestro's "The Brother's Go To Mothers" (originally featured as incidental music in 1959's Peter Gunn television series) providing a superb organ-led workout. Altruda's own "A Martini for Mancini," is a worthy bossa-nova homage to the master, featuring lively vibes, flute and Hammond B-3, accompanied by a swanky, swirling horn arrangement.
Altruda's originals feature elements of several '50s masters in addition to Mancini. The latin sounds of Perez Prado, and the inventive arrangements of Juan Garcia Esquivel are obvious influences, as are the soundtracks of Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota, and the exotica sounds of Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman. The opener, "Tropical Espionage" blends the bird calls of Denny with a sophisticated horn chart and a bird-like flute lead. "Remembering Jobim" features the Stan Getz-inspired saxophone of Doug Webb and a melody mindful of Antonio Carlos Jobim's classics.
The oft-covered "April in Portugal" (nearly a standard of loungecore, with covers by Esquivel, The Three Suns, Enoch Light, Les Baxter, Perez Prado, Ray Anthony, Bert Kaempfert, and many, many more) adds a bit of rock 'n' roll to the bossa nova beat, while "Mambo Bardot" drops the tempo for a slow, mysterious dance befitting it's original setting in the film "And God Created Woman." Cy Coleman's theme for Hugh Hefner's "Playboy After Dark" television program features the superbly cool piano stylings of Red Young and fine sax from Doug Webb and Plas Johnson. Finally, Jackie Gleason's "Melancholy Serenade," best known as the theme for "The Honeymooners" is re-imagined as a cha-cha.
This seems to be an undeservedly overlooked album among lounge revivalists. Altruda's lifelong devotion to the easier side of jazz pays off big on this debut.
3772037
I bought this CD for a gift, my friend wanted this since several years ago and wasn't able to find it. When we hear this CD together and the music flows, I understand why she loves this cd as crazy... songs like "Estrelas", "Mutante", "Aeromoa" are unforgetable, very ethereal... I have the luck to speak portuguese, and would say that the lyrics are well done, a lot of soul on them. I would recommend this CD for lounge and world music lovers.
1112637
Lovely latin soul and jazz. The fact that I don't understand a word of portuguese lets me immerse myself in the pure sound of these songs. There are also a few songs in English.
2297715
Lounge-y Brazilian electronica and soft funk-fusion.  I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this album, although others may find it a bit cloying.  There were only a couple of tunes I found irritating; otherwise this is a nicely programmed, completely listenable album, featuring several fairly well-known new artists (Otto, Max De Castro, Joyce and others), some old-timers who are trying their hands at the new sound, and several bands that are well off the radar.  It's easy listening of a pretty classy caliber.  Recommended.
4202053
Kudos to the best Latin Jazz group! These jazz tunes  are  the perfect background music for when you're enjoying a nice meal with your loved one, or just chilling out at the beach or poolside. I even listen to these songs when I'm working out!  It is powerful music created by genius musicians such as Kenny Drew Jr. and percussionist Frankie Pieiro with  great balance of mastery and a bit of that Spanish flavor...and a huge Afro-Cuban influence of course.

I highly recommend this Latin jazz gem. The music is amazing as well as the CD cover;  its art and layout are beautifully executed which makes it a perfect gift to jazz fanatics and those who are just getting started.

Get the actual CD or the MP3! It's money well spent.
The music will transport you to the Tropicana! Enjoy.
558758
This flamboyant album blending disco, Caribbean and Latin American rhythms is full of fun, puns and tongue-in-chic humour. It has now been substantially enhanced with the addition of several 12-inch remixes that were previously only available as rare vinyl singles.

There's a lovely interaction between the lead vocals of August Darnell and the Coconuts who are Brooksie Wells, Lourdes Cotto, Adriana Kaegi and Fonda Rae and the instrumental mix includes piano, guitar, vibes, percussion, bass and drums.

Maladie d'Amour is charming and soulful, while the title track has Kid Creole singing through what sounds like a vocoder with the Coconuts' vocal coming through much stronger. Darrio is a gentle lilting disco number with the Coconuts imploring Darrio to get them into Studio 54, whilst Lilli Marlene is the old classic sung in the original German and given the disco treatment, quite a charming little number.

My favorite is Bogota Affair, a lovely song sung alternately in English and Spanish, about an elusive girlfriend that was seen in Bogota when she was supposed to be in Havana. Halfway through, the rhythm changes from brassy disco into a fast, lilting Latin style.

Although the album as a whole is uneven, the aforementioned tracks and others like Calypso Pan-American make this a very enjoyable album. If you like clever, intelligent lyrics over disco with a dash of Caribbean and Latin beats, you'll love Off The Coast Of Me.
1029958
I hate to be negative to the first reviewer. This CD does not have anything close to salsa. It's definitely smooth jazz with a Latin flavor which is very well incorporated. I am a saxophone freak. NO, I do NOT play the instrument but I love the way it sounds! You name a smooth jazz saxophonist and I have at least one CD by that artist and that includes both males and females. I am listening to it while I am typing this. I have my 5.1 Home Theater set-up with the PLII Music mode and it sounds fantastic! Mr. Luis Disla, Sir, you had just earned a loyal fan.
I finished listening to it. If you are smooth jazz enthusiast please buy this CD recording. I guarantee you will enjoy listening to it.
3105834
I was wandering my local library's audio section and found this CD.  I loved the artwork so much I checked it out.  Often this approach to selecting CDs results in disappointment but this was not true in this case.  I loved this album within about the first 30 seconds.  Its a fabulous collection of spicy Latin jazz fusion.  Its indescribable really. Its truly worth a listen at the very least.  Its difficult to pick some tracks that stand out but I do really think "Ropa Viejo" with its salsa piano, "Nightfall" which has a Moorish flavor and "Baile Solitaro" are highlights.  However, everything is excellent.  Rarely has my poor method of choosing CDs worked out this happily!
1949895
This CD is a must for anyone into Jazz music, from Contemporary Jazz to Classical, this album is one of a kind.  With the various bands and sounds, you can get a good feel for what it might be like being in South Africa at a club enjoying a nice meal.  With 16 songs on the album and a total of 73 minutes of playing time, you are bound to enjoy loads of fun and relaxation!
1678487
I love this compilation of remixes.  For me, it hits a sweet-spot squarely between my love of classic jazz and club music.  It shouldn't work as well as it does.  I had played previews of these tracks about a year ago, and was unimpressed.  I'm glad I unearthed this from my Amazon wish list and moved forward.  This disc is just the right length, and there's not a dud in the bunch of songs collected here.  This is what to listen to before heading out on a Saturday night for something upscale and urban, or also perhaps historic.  I highly recommend this, and I can't believe I found a second-hand copy as inexpensive as I did.
2852990
For all of us who would like to have some background music just to hang around the house... this is perfect music.
However, if you're into "chill music" for whatever reasons, this will do; just turn down the volume a bit.
As a compilation, these discs works well. Between St. Germain, Norah Jones singing Bryan Ferry, and the (now)unfortunately named "Slow Bombing The World", you'll be ready for Disc 2.
Medeski, Martin and Wood open the second disc with "The Dropper", one of their classics.
You'll almost finish the second CD (which is very good) with US3 playing one of the most requested songs *anywhere*...Cantaloop ("Flip Fantasia"). Warning! This is *without* the "biddy, biddy bop...funky, funky..."
But between the funky tunes are lo-fi hip hop, a bit of soul, a touch of jazz...this 2 CD set is an awful lot of fun and well worth the money!
1325165
O Roberto - Where are you now?  It's been five years since this amazing album came out, and, patient as I am, I want to hear more of your original musicianship...you and your band are simply amazing (applause) !

I first heard the song "Sueno Mama" from the Putumayo Presents Latin Lounge CD from 2004.  I was instantly riveted to the sensual, languid, honey-voiced Poveda and his destined-to-be-a-classic composition.  I rarely buy a CD based on one song but I made an exception, and I have been rewarded greatly.

Mr. Poveda has created this CD (six of the ten songs are his originals, the rest are co-written) with great care.  Each of the songs are terrific - I would not call his music "latin pop" or "latin Jazz", but rather, as Putumayo has classified it, "latin lounge" - - and "Son Electrico" is a valuable accomplishment in both the genres of Latin Music AND World Music in general.