Calypso is a form of folk music and dance from the Caribbean. Historically, Calypso can be traced back to the arrival of African slaves in the Caribbean islands in the seventeenth century. It has its roots on the island of Trinidad. The words of calypso songs are witty and humorous, usually involving social or political commentary in satirical form. The lyrics are characterized by arbitrary shifts in the accentuation of everyday English words. The infectious Calypso music is set in duple meter. It is a vital component of any carnival celebration in the Caribbean, and there are annual calypso competitions which are themselves a premier aspect of the carnivals. Born in Africa in 1968, King Selewa got into music through Jamaican 70s calypso, ska, rock-steady and early reggae music which he and his elder brother, Lord Skalipsoul, then performed live all over Europe in 1995. King Selewa and Chico, his guitar player, soon formed their own band of experienced musicians- their “Calypsonians,” in order to go deeper into the roots of Caribbean music, that is to say, Calypso. As Lord Invader said: “Calypso is folklore of Trinidad, a style of poetry recounting current events in song.”

The Hugo Diaz Trio consisted of the late Hugo Diaz on bandoneon, Miguel Angel Ledesma on piano and Horacio Cabarcos on bass. This is a minimum ensemble, but their sound is full, largely due to the full and rich sound production of Diaz and the robust playing of Ledesma. Most of the pieces are fairly short and never outstay their welcome and are mostly from the 1920s - 1940s, although every piece sounds up to date in Diaz's hands. (As a special treat is a jazzy version of 'Por una Cabeza', the tango made famous in America by the movie Scent of a Woman.) Many tunes on this album are dramatic, musically interesting and just plain danceable fun. 'A Orillas del Plata' betrays a deep jazz influence that is very pleasant to listen to. 'La Racha' is a bit slower than most of the other numbers, but it swoops and pounces with the best of them. One slight caveat: The last three tracks on the disc are for solo bandoneon and that will not charm everyone. Still, this album will appeal to lovers of traditional tango as well as followers of tango outcast Astor Piazzolla.

Capoeira is a Brazilian cultural expression that mixes martial art, sport, music and popular culture. Developed in Brazil, mainly by descendants of African slaves with some Indian influence, it is characterized by agile, complex movements. One feature that distinguishes the Capoeira from most other martial arts is it's musicality. Practitioners of this Brazilian martial art not only learn to fight and play, but also to play the typical instruments and sing. An experienced capoeirista who ignores the musicianship is considered incomplete. The present release is filled with the best Capoeira songs and rhythms for both the experienced and novice Capoeirista, or just to listen to and enjoy.

This release contains lively and romantic Mariachi songs sung with pride and passion, telling stories of love, won and lost, about patriotic pride, about various customs at festivals and about singing beneath the balcony of the beloved. Fer Gonzalez is a singer of Mexican boleros, rancheras, hupangos, and more. His dream has always been to take Mexican music all over the world. Through his voice, music, and songs, he takes a message of joy from Mexico to the world, and presents his culture, tradition, and roots proving that music is a universal language of humankind that can break down barriers always and anywhere. Fer was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico. He inherited his love of music from his parents, especially his mother who loved Mexican music and had an extraordinary voice. His career as a professional singer did not begin until his adult life, but took off right away with radio and television appearances, stellar reviews, and appearances at international festivals.

A colorful collection of songs and instrumental pieces from the Spanish speaking countries of the Americas, starting from Mexico to Panama, Costa Rica to Cuba and the Dominican Republic, then Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, down to Chile and Argentina and back up to Brazil.

The first mention of calypso comes from a dance described by Abbe Masse in 1882. Otherwise, most scholars who have tried to trace the story of calypso agree that the word itself is not connected with the deity who lured Homer's Odysseus to her island. The origins of the word are unclear and scholars debate this with no definitive answer. The name possibly began with the French 'carrouseaux' and went through patois and Anglicization. There are also suggestions that the name originated with exclamations of encouragement to the singer by the chorus or audience or both. But whatever process brought the word into everyday use, the point is that calypso is here. Quick wit, knowing observation of human behavior, and comment on it's absurd aspects are the bill of fare offered in calypso, which probably prompted Time to label calypso "The Living Newspaper" in 1944. For eloquence and topical diversity, no other genre can approach the calypso of Trinidad and Tobago, for the calypsonian assumes a stance between editorialist, moralist, and satirist as scandal, disaster, politics, self-praise, sexual indiscretion and everything from local to international events prove as grist for the mill.

This new release features fifteen rousing and very danceable Cuban songs in the best tradition of ‘Buena Vista’ with some of the old guard as well as the younger generation of ‘post Buena Vista’ Cuba. Artists include Luis Frank, Soneros de Verdad, Mayito Rivera, Rudy Calzado, Cesar Pedroso, and more. The Buena Vista Social Club was a members’ only club in Havana, Cuba that operated until the 1940s. The club was so widely known, that it inspired a 1990s band, a popular album, a late-nineties film, and a brand name. The spirit of the club is evident in this release as well. These songs have been handpicked and remastered by celebrated sound engineer Diz Heller.

The melting pot of cultures in the islands and coastal areas surrounding the Caribbean Sea have made this region one of the most musically fruitful in the world. Every island and every stretch of coastline boasts at least one signature style of music - often more - each different from the rest, but all bearing an irresistible, dance-friendly rhythm. Enjoy digging your heels into the sand and listening to these sunny songs. Artists featured include ARC veterans, including Blind Blake, The Sons of Buena Vista, King Selewa & His Calypsonians, and more.