Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers International Music Editor, Karen K. Hugg FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * New and Notable: Los Van Van, Burning Spear, Ali Farka Toure, Cubamar, and Gaelic Storm * Amazon.com Presents the Best of the Century * Get Started in International: King Sunny Ade * Artist Essentials: Astor Piazzolla * Digital Downloads: Buena Vista Social Club and Ibrahim Ferrer * Beau Jocque Remembered NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "Llego... Van Van" Los Van Van http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K1KB/entertainmentsit Cuban ensemble Los Van Van first formed 30 years ago in 1969, but this 15-piece band is still red hot with youthful energy. The group's new album, "Llego... Van Van," shouts and sizzles with brassy salsa music and jazzy originals that push the envelope of Latin music. "Calling Rastafari" Burning Spear http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JMCM/entertainmentsit Reggae legend Burning Spear returns again this year with a strong collection of rootsy originals that will well satisfy listeners who remember his "Calling Rastafari" invocation. Known as the father of "Rockers"-style dub, Spear brings his mid-'70s greatness to this album full of bouncy horn lines and call-and-response singing. Recommended. "Radio Mali" Ali Farka Toure http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001QEOM/entertainmentsit "Radio Mali" may be the most precious treasure we have from Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure. Previously available only as an import, this lovingly packaged CD contains not only 72 minutes of recordings from the 1970s but also a meaty booklet filled with narrative written by Toure, translations of lyrics, and candid color photos of Toure and African life in his home village of Niafunke. "Cantinero de Cuba" Cubamar http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JR0F/entertainmentsit With lithe voices joined in yesteryear-style harmonies and a loving, light touch on guitars, Cubamar offer their own interpretation of Cuban romanticism to the world on "Cantinero de Cuba." With no veteran Cuban greats, no American producer, or even a traditional Cuban repertoire, this guitar trio shines brightly on this enchanting collection of intimate Latin ballads. A sweet album with timeless appeal. "Herding Cats" Gaelic Storm http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001IVKC/entertainmentsit These Americans made famous by their appearance in the film "Titanic" return with more of their bright, vivacious Irish music on "Herding Cats." In a collection of jigs, reels, traditional ballads, and contemporary songs, the Storm pay homage to tradition while adding progressive touches of Africa and flamenco. And if all this isn't enough, guest accordionist John Whelan adds his signature energetic touch. AMAZON.COM PRESENTS THE BEST OF THE CENTURY ******************************************* As the century comes to a close, Amazon.com takes a look at the landmarks in books, music, and video of the past 100 years. Selected by our editors, our lists take you decade by decade from the turn of the century all the way to the end of the millennium. But don't just take our word for it; cast your vote for the best book, video, and CD in our best-of-the-millennium poll for your chance to win our customers' 300 favorite music, book, and video titles. Music of the century GET STARTED IN INTERNATIONAL: KING SUNNY ADE ******************************************** Some of the greatest African music came to the West from Nigeria's King Sunny Ade and his CD "Juju Music." Regarded as an innovator of the juju-music tradition rooted in Yoruba drumming, Ade used steel guitar and synth to create a richly textured, psychedelic version of this beautiful, rhythmic music. International ARTIST ESSENTIALS: ASTOR PIAZZOLLA ********************************** In the 1950s Argentina's Astor Piazzolla created a fresh, bold style of tango called nuevo tango, which mixed jazz and classical elements with Piazzolla's passionate bandoneon playing. Check out the tango master's essential recordings. International DIGITAL DOWNLOADS: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB AND IBRAHIM FERRER ************************************************************* Guitarist Ry Cooder gathered together Cuba's greatest singers and musicians for a nostalgic ride into 1950s Havana on "Buena Vista Social Club." Guest BVSC singer Ibrahim Ferrer premiered with his own solo album in 1999 entitled, oddly enough, "Buena Vista Social Club Presents Ibrahim Ferrer." You can download rare tracks from the sessions of these two wonderfully romantic collections--free, and exclusively at Amazon.com. International BEAU JOCQUE REMEMBERED ********************** Zydeco master Beau Jocque passed away on September 10, but the incredible music he made lives on. Known for his nonstop, high-energy attack on zydeco, Jocque formed the Zydeco Hi-Rollers at age 34 before recording "Beau Jocque Boogie," one of the top-selling zydeco records of all time. He mixed funk, hip-hop, and other contemporary elements for an innovative zydeco sound that he led with his booming vocal and ferocious accordion playing. Check out our list of Beau Jocque titles. International ****** Give the Perfect Gift -- Get the Perfect Gift Does Aunt Ida send polka CDs when you'd prefer pop? Create an Amazon.com Wish List and save everyone the agony of the unwanted gift. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=subst/wishlist/wishlist-portal.html Clueless as to what to get your Kentucky cousin for Christmas? Send him an e-card and tell him to set up an Amazon.com Wish List so you can easily find and send him his heart's desire. http://cards.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=tg/cards/browse-cards/-/228225/1 ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's International Music section at International
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