dj nyc

This is the third compilation of Panama Calypso series which is so good.  To check out earlier posts on Volume 2 and Volume 1.  Salsa and cumbia afficionados will recognize some of these tracks in the from newer renditions particularly a favorite on this 3rd compilation Papa Brandao’s Bilongo, made famous by Eddie Palmieri. Other standout tracks on this compilation are Fire Down Below by Lord Panama and Moving-Grooving by Little Francisco Greaves.  For previews visit Itunes.

dj nyc

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Another solid Panamanian Calypso compilation, so far my favorite tracks are Papa Brandao’s take on La Murga, Maximo Rodriguez’ Flora and Ese Muerto No Lo Cargo Yo by the Exciters. I would’ve liked more spaced out instrumental funk tracks like The Duncan Brothers “Dream” track and it doesn’t quite have the same tropical feel as the first compilation I posted about.  I’ve posted about La Murga before in the djnyc salsa playlist and what an infectious track it is.  (lyrics here) Papa Brandao’s version fits into the style of this compilation with more of a cocktail/ latin soul feel than straight up salsa. To listen to a sample click below.

Papa Brandao – “La Murga de Panama”

In case you were interested, in Uruguay murga is not the same as what the people in Panama and Puerto Rico call murga. In Panama and Puerto Rico the murga is an orchestra that uses trumpets, trombones, drums and other percussion instruments including the key or clave. The murgas gather around 15 to 20 musicians. They typically appear during carnivals and play for four days in a row. In countries like Puerto Rico, it is also a custom that the murgas play on Christmas. One key component is that the murga can play without a stage. They move from one place to another and are usually loud and fun.

dj nyc

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This just came out a few weeks ago, very excited to pick up a copy.  I posted a while back about volume I of this series. Excellent, hard to really categorize, some cumbia, roots funk, reggae infused funk, calyspo, blues, etc.

dj nyc

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