by Annalis Flores
Adam Cruz (PHOTO BY ALBERT BROOKS)
Latin music is buzzing with the recent release of La Esperanza (Hope) from Grammy nominated John Santos and the Coro Folkorico Kindembo.
This is the fourth fulllength album by Santos and Kindembo who previously released La Guerra No back in 2008. The album promises to captivate the essence of Afro-Cuban/ Carribbean music with original folkloric compositions. Santos directed and produced the album which “brings together an incredible collaboration of dozens of the greatest inter-generational interpreters and pioneers of Afro-Cuban/ Afro-Latin music, ” according to Machete Records. Artists such as Nelson Gonzalez, Manny Martinez, and Samora Pinderhughes contributed to the album now available in the Bay Area.
BILINGUAL ALBUM: Bilingual singer and songwriter Gaby Moreno is set to release her sophomore album Illustrated Songs on April 5th. Moreno is a Guatemala born and raised artist who fell in love with music after listening to an African American woman sing on the streets of New York City. Her first album entitled Still the Unknown was released back in 2009 but Moreno has gone on to co-write the theme song for NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” and toured with fellow musicians Ani DiFranco and Tracy Chapman.
The album’s first single, “No Regrets” is a bilingual song with Moreno’s vocals and David Piltch’s acoustic bass. Overall the album is full of Latin American and R&B influences that will appeal to any listener.
LATIN DESCENT JAZZ MUSICIAN: After twenty years Adam Cruz finally debuts his solo album Milestone set to release April 12. Milestone is a long awaited album for the New York born drummer who has collaborated with artists such as Danilo Perez, Charlie Sepulveda, Charlie Hunter, and Chick Corea. He has maintained a long time relationship
and performed with these and many other artists, a few of which are featured in the jazz musician’s album.
“I’ve just turned 40 and I’m happy the record is coming out now. There’s a certain amount of growth and maturity that I have gone through, deepening my dedication as a drummer and compose, particularly over the last decade,” Cruz commented. The album is long overdue for the Latin descent artist but he is very glad that his dedication and time to the album will reflect in the rhythmic songs.
LATINOS IN “AMERICAN IDOL:” Now that “American Idol” (FOX) is well underway in its tenth season, the audience ratings have remained steady for the show featuring a few Latino contestants still in the running.
Along with fellow judges, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler, Latin recording artist Jennifer López is a judge in the famous reality music competition. Her presence brings the heart-warming charm once brought by Paula Abdul but it is her Puerto Rican roots that bring a big change to the program.
The Latina has already being serenaded by fellow contestant Jovany Barreto. A few Latinos have already been voted off the show but audiences will have the chance to vote, as the Top 24 will begin their journey in the coming weeks.
