Latin Roots on World Cafe

Latin Roots is a bi-weekly series on the World Cafe program, hosted by David Dye, and made possible by the Wyncote Foundation. In this new series, David Dye explores the vast variety of music from Spanish-speaking countries and people. From the standards like cumbia, mambo and son to Latin rock and even reggaeton, we’ll hear it all.

The series airs every other Thursday during the second hour of the World Cafe program, and will delve into the musical styles and genres of Spanish influence with a rotating series of guests. With each segment, David Dye and his guest will explore two related songs, current and old, and discuss their unique characteristics, how they relate and where they fit into the spectrum of Latin music.

Latin Roots #33: On Latin Roots The Music of The Garifuna People of Central America - May 2, 2013

Our Latin Roots reporter Rachel Faro is back this time to introduce us to Garifuna. Rachel wears many hats: as an artist, a record producer and she owns the Ashe record label specializing in Latin music.

Garifuna music was originally specific to the geographic area surrounding coastal Belize and Honduras in Central America. It is the music of the Garifuna people who are descendants of slaves settled on islands off the coast, arriving after a shipwreck in the 17th century. Isolated, their own music developed called Punta. Punta spread, as they and their language did, throughout the region. Now the Garifuna have migrated so far that some of the best places to hear their music is in the clubs of New York City and Los Angeles.

As always on Latin Roots Rachel will play us an early examples and then music from the extremely popular Garifuna singer and activist Andy Palacio.

To explore more enjoy Rachel’s Spotify playlist.

Session Playlist:
Danzas Garifuna Baruda / "Came Badugey No (Why Did You Betray Me?)" / Music From Honduras 2
Andy Palacio & the Garifuna Collective / "Watina" / Watina

Latin Roots #32: The “Nostalgia For The Present Moment” Of Portugal’s Fado - April 18, 2013

Today we welcome a new Latin Roots co-host, singer-songwriter, Grammy nominated record producer and record company owner Rachel Faro to tell us about the Portuguese tradition of Fado.

Fado began in Lisbon and has been around for at least a couple of centuries. Over the years the music has moved from the streets to the concert halls. Fado singers like the national treasure Amalia Rodrigues and Mariza, both of whom we will hear from today, have become international stars. At the heart of Fado the singer conveys “saudade” or the sense of “nostalgia for the present moment” that is so emotional.

While in most of Portugal Fado singers are women, Rachel also explores the Fado sung by men in Coimbra.

She also prepared an extended Spotify playlist of Fado.

Latin Roots on The World Cafe is made possible by a grant from The Wyncote Foundation.

Session Set List
AMALIA RODRIGUES / AI MOURARIA / Il Fado
MARIZA / LOUCURA / Fado em mim
VERDES ANOS / SAUDADES DE COIMBRA / Coimbra Fado

Listen to Rachel's Spotify Playlist

Latin Roots #31: Making It Their Own – The Variety Of Rock In Argentina - April 4, 2013

A hefty task for our Latin Roots co-host today Josh Norek: Define the broad swath of Argentine rock with just few bands. But Josh, the co-host of The Latin Alternative, is up to it precisely because he spent time in Buenos Aires as student during a most vibrant period for the music.

In this session he plays a classic from Los Fabulosos Cadillacs who had ska influences in their early work in the 80’s. That was at a time when rock in Argentina was moving beyond Anglo imitations, incorporating Latin influences and, as Josh infers, even becoming dangerous.

Also the more indie sound of Babasonicos who formed in the 80s as well but had a new album a Propisito in 2011 and Banda de Turistas putting an Argentine spin on Brit Rock.

Session playlist
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs / MATADOR / Originales - 20 Exitos
Babasonicos / PULPITO / A Propósito
Banda de Turistas / AMIGOS / Ya

Listen to the Latin Roots 31: Josh Norek on Argentinian Rock playlist on Spotify:
Matador
Pulpito
Lo Comandas
Ella Uso Mi Cabeza Cumo Un Revolver
Al Fin Sucede
Nunca ire
Should I Stay or Should I Go
Cambiar El Alma
Carismatico
Un Verdadero cajon de madera
Mal Bicho

Latin Roots #30: Latin Roots: Josh Norek on Mexitronica - March 21, 2013

A playground for musicians, Mexico has become the hub where traditional folk music has effectively fused with more modern forms of music. In this installment of Latin Roots David Dye has the pleasure to explore the prominence of an emerging crossover music genre with Josh Nerok, who is the co-host and executive producer of the nationally syndicated one hour radio show entitled The Latin Alternative. Already popular in Latin America, Mexitrónica is heading its way north and will soon infect the music scene with its unpredictable ranges of the ranchero accordion, strong pitches of the classic Mexican bajo sexto, and riveting sound synthesizers.

Both Dye and Nerok discuss the historical development of this bubbling genre and how it is shaping the scene of the Latin music industry. The genre itself has achieved some form of international recognition with well known artists such as The Mexican Institute of Sound, 3Ball MTY, Nortec Collective and !@#$%^&*án. Showcasing the tracks of various pioneers in Mexitrónica, Dye and Nerok focus on the significant effects it will exert on the music industry. Essentially, Mexitrónica is reshaping the Latin music charts and it is currently demonstrating how freshly minted genres of music can still be able to pay homage to the past. This innovative, up-beat genre is sure to please all walks of life and will certainly induce people to dance to its electrifying beats. Tune into this installment of Latin Roots and accompany the co-hosts as they embark on a musical journey attempting to further understand the beautiful intersection between traditional folk and electronic music.

Listen to the full session at NPR.org/music.

Session playlist
Nortec Collective, "Polaris"
Mexican Institute Of Sound, "Mexico"

Listen to the Latin Roots Mexitronica playlist on Spotify.

Latin Roots #29: Aaron Levinson on Bolero - March 7, 2013

In this 29th installment of Latin Roots from World Cafe, David Dye and Grammy-winning Latin music producer Aaron Levinson embark on a transcontinental journey exploring the history and richness of bolero music — a slow-tempo dance with distinctive forms in Cuba and Spain. Bolero typically focuses on themes like love or loss, but as Dye and Levinson discuss, the critical difference between both forms is actually the rhythm.

Since its beginnings in the late 18th century, bolero music has remained rhythmically consistent. Here, Levinson demonstrates that — although the texture of the music has evolved in the face of technology — bolero has preserved its traditional rhythmic roots.

Listen to the full session at NPR.org/music.

Playlist:
Antonio Machin, "Dos Gardenias"
Spanish Harlem Orchestra, "Obsesion"


Listen to the Latin Roots bolero playlist on Spotify.

Latin Roots #28: Aaron Levinson on Merengue - February 21, 2013

Grammy-winning latin music producer Aaron Levinson and host David Dye embark on a journey to the world of merengue music, starting with its roots in the Dominican Republic.

Largely influenced by the dictator Rafael Trujillo to celebrate his political agenda, merengue is a form of fast paced, rhythmic music. Utilizing diatonic accordions, tamboras, and the güira, traditional merengue bands have irresistibly induced listeners from around the world to move with the sounds of the tropical beat.

Following the fall of Trujillo, merengue music reinvented itself numerous times by creating innovative subgenres such as merengue estilo yanqui or perico ripiao. And, the popularity of this particular form of music has significantly fluctuated, especially with the strong Dominican presence outside of the tropical country.
Digressing a bit from its traditional roots, merengue, now incorporates saxophones and a plethora of other modern instruments to cater to mainstream audiences. Tune into the 28th edition of Latin Roots and see why merengue is such a festive, yet addicting, form of music.

Session Set List:
Luis Kalaff Y Sus Alegres Dominicanos / "POR ABAJO Y POR ARRIBA" / Luis Y Sus Alegres Dominicanos' Tu Crees Que Es Asi
Wilfrido Vargas / "ABUSADORA" / Coleccion Diamante

Spotify Playlist

Latin Roots #27: January 10, 2013 - Bomba Y Plenya

In the Latin music scene, there's always an innate pairing of the musical styles bomba and plena as one genre, but the two Afro-Puerto Rican genres are quite distinct. In this, the 27th segment of Latin Roots, Aaron Levinson discusses the birth of bomba and plena, as well as the different musical and rhythmic paths the genres have taken.

A Grammy-winning producer with expertise in the Latin Tropical scene, Levinson describes the production of a bomba beat, which incorporates two drums, a maraca and a highly syncopated 5/8 rhythm. On the other hand, for plena, a trio sings in harmony with folkloric hand drums called the panderetas.

Session Set List:
Willie Colon & Mon Rivera, "Baila Mi Bomba"
Miguel Zenon, "Esta Plena"

Listen to the full session at NPR.org/music.

Latin Roots #26: Catalina Maria Johnson - December 25, 2012

Latin Roots contributor and Music Journalist, Catalina Maria Johnson loves Christmas and joins us for a special Spanish language holiday selection that goes beyond “Feliz Navidad.” She also has picked out another great Spotify selection for us!

We hear music from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Columbia, and the Dominican Republic. In Latin America, some Christmas parties last for 9 days, from the 16th to the 26th, and they are all about the music.

Set List:
Yomo Y Daniel Hector / “En La Navidad” / Feliz Navidad
Lila Downs / "AMARGA NAVIDAD" / La Cantina
Latinos Band / "FAROLITO" / Navidad Colombiana – Para Cantar Y Bailar La Novena De Aguinaldos
Cuco Valoy / "A COMER LECHON" / Tira Pulla En Navidad!
The Daddy Mack Blues Band / "FELIZ NAVIDAD" / Bluestones

Spotify Playlist

Latin Roots #25: Catalina Maria Johnson Christmas Preview
December 13, 2012

As we approach the peak of this splendid and cheerful holiday season, this segment of Latin Roots is providing listeners with sizzling renditions of well-known Christmas classics. Most people are familiar with the traditional “Little Drummer Boy” song but most of them have yet to enjoy a very popular Cuban version of the song interpreted by the band Los Papines. The band, commonly known as the “Kings of Rhumba” utilize deeps sounds of the percussion to tell the story of a child’s perspective of the holiday season. A fresh and unique twist to a beloved American Christmas classics, Catalina Maria Johnson and David Dye transition into the musical world of Spain and discuss the popularity of one particular Christmas song that has spread across all of its former colonies.

Most Americans will not be familiar with the enchanting lyrics and joyful sounds of “Los Peces en el Rio,” but across all of Latin America, singing it has become a household tradition. With nearly every country having its own rendition of the song, Catalina treats her listeners by playing a mariachi version of the much beloved track. Typically, in Latin America mariachi is a male-dominated genre but Catalina introduces an all female mariachi band that is not only defying stereotypes in the genre but also providing a unique biblical perspective to the classic Spanish track. The mariachi band tells the story of a fish observing the actions of Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus as they are along the river. Offering thoughtful insights about the diversity of Christmas music in Latin America come join Catalina and David and enjoy the fresh Latin twists of your favorite Christmas tracks only on Latin Roots!

Session Set List:
Los Papines / "El Pequeño Tamborilero (The Little Drummer Boy)" / It’s a Cuban Christmas
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles /Los Peces en el Río / Navidad En America

Check out the Spotify Playlist


Listen to the full session at NPR.org/music.

Latin Roots #24: Jasmine Garsd on Tropicália
November 29, 2012

In this segment of Latin Roots, Jasmine Garsd discusses how the Brazilian artistic movement of Tropicália, also known as Tropicalismo, emerged and became a prominent force in the Latin American music scene. Garsd provides listeners with insightful information about the oppression and corruption that plagued countries like Brazil during a totalitarian regime. However, during these obscure times in Brazil, a cultural manifestation, identified as antropofagia, was conceived by Brazilian poet Oswald de Andrade and took flight by attacking the fraudulent political institutions that were trying to limit freedom of speech. This movement primarily called for artists to integrate “literary language” that salvages a variety of Brazilian and foreign elements to produce an exceptional and clever style. This principle evidently resonated in the style of Tropicália and sparked its popularity abroad.

Tropicália is a unique genre of music that conflates traditional Brazilian music with unique elements from avant-garde to rock and roll music. In this session, Garsd cites a key band that fueled the Tropicália movement in the 1960s. She credits Os Mutantes as an inspiring act that was able to assist in increasing the international presence of the Brazilian genre. Exiled from Brazil, the band members of Os Mutantes were able to extract foreign musical styles and fuse them together with their Brazilian roots. Penetrating the international music scene and garnering significant world-wide success, the band returned to Brazil and motivated an array of bands to continue the Tropicália manifesto. Tune into this edition of Latin Roots and expose yourself to an eclectic yet captivating mix of Tropicália artists as Garsd provides fascinating historical context about the highly popular music genre.

Session Playlist:
Os Mutantes / Panis Et Circensis / Tropicália
Beck & Seu Jorge / Tropicalia / Red Hot & Rio 2

Spotify Playlist:
Panis Et Circensis (Os Mutantes)
Questão De Ordem (Gilberto Gil)
A Minha Menina (Os Mutantes)
Curso Intensive de Boas Maneiras (Tom Zé)
E Proibido Proibir (Caetano Veloso, Os Mutantes)
Alegria, Alegria (Caetano Veloso)
Domingo No Parque (Gilberto Gil)
Divino Maravilhoso (Gal Costa)
Ponta de Lanca Africano (Jorge Ben)
Cade O Penalty (Jorge Ben)
Tropicalia (Seu Jorge, Beck)
A Luta Contra A Lata Ou A Falencia Do Café (Gilberto Gil)



Listen to the session on NPR.org/music.

Latin Roots #23: Felix Contreras on Conga
November 15, 2012

In this 23rd installment of the Latin Roots segment, we diverge from focusing on a specific type of Latin music/ genre and instead talk about an integral and enormously popular instrument in Latin music. NPR’s Alt Latino correspondent Felix Contreras is invited to discuss the history and the impact of the conga, or more properly known as the tumbadora, in Cuba and abroad. Originating from Africa, the conga became a critical instrument in Afro-Cuban religious culture. Its role in folkloric tradition would soon change when it become infused with traditional European music eliciting irresistible and harmonious tropical rhythms that helps discover one’s dance talent.

Providing listeners with a small in-studio performance with the instrument, Contreras talks about the varying techniques and styles one can produce with the conga. From guaguancó to rumba and the cha-cha-chá, this percussion instrument can fundamentally generate any type of dance inducing beat. Contreras specifically cites Puerto Rican percussionist, Giovanni Hidalgo as one of the pioneers in the modern conga movement who developed an influential technique for developing speed and rhythm while playing. Overall, the conga is a key instrument in contemporary Latin as well as American music. Come join David Dye and Felix Contreras as they explore the musical evolution of an instrument that is able to produce such zesty and captivating rhythms.

Listen to the session on NPR.org/music.

Session Playlist:
Felix Contreras/ CONGA DEMO (live performance)
Dizzy Gillespie / MANTECA / The Complete RCA Victor Recordings
GIOVANNI HIDALGO / THE CONGA (Demonstration recorded for congahead.com)


Spotify Playlist:
Afro Blue by Cal Tjader (from the Monterey Concerts album)
Peruchin by Poncho Sanchez
Gitano by Santana
Azteca Mozambique by Pete and Sheila Escovedo
Manteca by Dizzy Gillespie (featuring Chano Pozo)

Latin Roots #22: Jasmine Garsd on Nuevo Cancion
November 1, 2012

Nueva Cancion ("new song") is a style born in the '60s and '70s, when many Latin countries were ruled by repressive dictators. The songs were folk-inspired, with guitar-based song forms, percussive elements and socially charged lyrics. The late Victor Jara is seen as the father of the movement, and he comes up in this conversation.

Alt.Latino host Jasmine Garsd says the movement has resonated with a lot of people and brought about change — a product of repression, but also a symptom of a healthy society. Chilean singer Camila Moreno, for example, is a modern Nueva Cancion artist known for her song "Millones," and we hear a track from her in this live session. Listen to the session at WorldCafe.NPR.org.

Session Playlist:
Victor Jara / "Cuando voy al Trabajo" / Best of Victor Jara
Camila Moreno / "Millones" / Almismotiempo

Listen to the Spotify Playlist:
Cuando Voy Al Trabajo by Victor Jara
Gracias A La Vida by Mercedes Sosa
Pra Nao Dizer Que Nao Falei Das Flores by Federico Scavo
Ojalá by Silvio Rodriguez
Solo Le Pido a Dios by Mercedes Sosa
Yo Soy Un Hombre Sincero by Pablo Milanés
Entre Pobres (Facundo Cabral by
En El País De La Libertad by Leon Gieco
A La Mina No Voy by Quilapayún
El Pueblo Unido Jamás Será Vencido by Quilapayún
Arauco Tiene Una Pena by Violeta Parra
Millones by Camila Moreno

Latin Roots #21: Ranchera
October 18, 2012

We are back with another of our popular Latin Roots series. This time Felix Contreras from NPR's Alt-Latino is here to explore the Ranchera. We'll hear old and new examples of this Mexican narrative form. The first song is by Jorge Negrete, one of the most famous Ranchera singers of all time. Ranchera literally translates to "from the ranch," and first began appearing during the Mexican Revolution around 1910. The lyrics were originally written about love and patriotism, but evolved during the ten year Revolution to reflect more of the political climate at the time in Mexico, and was later used in Mexican movies during the boom period of the 1940s, '50s and '60s.

The second song is by Chavel Vargas who passed away this past summer at the age of 93.

Listen to the session at NPR.org/music.

Session Playlist:
Jorge Negrete / MEXICO LINDO Y QUERIDO / 15 Exitos Immortales de Jorge Negrete
Chavel Vargas / EN EL ULTIMO TRAGO / Sentimiento de Mexico, Vol. 2

Listen to the Spotify Playlist - from Felix Contreras:
Cuatro Caminos by Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Lola Beltran
Media Vuelta by Lucha Villa
Amorcita Corazon by Pedro Infante
El Ultimo Trago by Chavela Vargas
Volver, Volver by Vicente Fernandez
Ay Jalisco No Te Rajes by Jorge Negrete
En Mi Viejo San Juan by Javier Solis
Una vez mas by Rocio Durcal
Traigo un Amor by Lucha Reyes
La Cancion Mexicana by Flor Silvestre

Latin Roots #20: Rumba (encore session from July 26, 2012)
October 4, 2012

This installment of World Cafe’s Latin Roots music series is hosted by Chicago-based journalist Catalina Maria Johnson. She writes in Spanish and English for publications such as HOY, Revista Contratiempo, Gozamos and Nat Geo Music. and is a regular radio personality and hosts/producer for the radio program Beat Latino, which airs in Chicago, Mexico City and Berlin.

In the late 19th century, Rumba started to emerge in the port city of Matanzas, an hour east of Havana. Rumba is more than just a style of music. It is a unique cultural blend of ryhtym, dance, and poetry. Cuban rumba begins with a chant upon which different elements are added. It is an important part of Afro-Cuban culture, and in its earliest forms served as a form of personal entertainment - the style was played in backyards or on the streets with family and friends - and often times an outlet for protest. The music is held together by a clave beat and melds congolese drumming with traditional call-and-response in either flamenco or Moorish styles. Cuban Rumba laid the foundation for many other distinct styles of Latin music and informs modern Latin hip-hop and salsa. Las Krudas are an Austin-based hip-hop act that incorporate many cuban rumba elements.

Listen to the session at NPR.org/music.

Session Playlist:
Muñequitos de Matanzas / D'Palo pa Rumba / D' palo pa rumba
Pedro Martinez Group / Que Palo / From ?
Las Krudas / Vamo a vence' / Hip Hop Cubano CD2


Spotify Playlist for Cuban Rumba:
Toca la Clave by Kevin A. Davis from Rumba With Soul
Toca con clave by Los Papines from Los Papines siguen
Nadie Se Salva De La Rumba by Celia Cruz from Greatest Hits
D' palo pa rumba by Munequitos de Matanazas from D' palo pa rumba
Not Fade Away by Ned Sublette from Cowboy Rumba
A La Rumba by Jane Bunnett from Cuban Odyssey
De La Rumba Al Cha-Cha-Cha by X Alfonso from Homenaje
Superfinos Negros by Freehole Negro from Superfinos Negro
Vamo a vence' by Las Krudas from Hip-Hop Cubano CD

Latin Roots #19: Carlos Alfons and Sintesis
September 20, 2012

In this 19th installment of World Cafe's Latin Roots series, Carlos Alfonso, one of the vocalists and principle songwriters of the Cuban progressive rock band Síntesis, talks with host David Dye about the relationships between Cuban music, Yoruba music (Yoruba are a people in current-day Nigeria) and Arara music (Arara being a culture in present-day Benin).

Síntesis is cited as Cuba's first progressive rock band. The band’s influences include groups such as Genesis, Pink Floyd and Yes, as well as Cuban trova, which makes for an interesting mix. The group’s line-up has evolved throughout their 37-year musical career. The new incarnation of Síntesis features a blend of progressive rock combined with Afro-Cuban Santeria ritual music and jazz fusion. Listen to “Canto a Ebbioso” by Lázaro Ros and “Asoyín” by Síntesis.

Listen to the full session at NPR.org

Session Playlist:
Lázaro Ross / CANTO A EBBIOSO / Viejos Cantos
Síntesis / ASOYÍN / Trilogía de los Ancestros

Spotify Playlist

Latin Roots #18: Ozomatli
September 6, 2012

In this installment of World Cafe's Latin Roots series, Raul Pacheco of the Grammy-winning band Ozomatli talks with host David Dye about how politics influence music. They've certainly affected Pacheco's music, as Ozomatli has been politically driven since its inception. The band's members started playing together 16 years ago, when they were working for the Peace and Justice Center of Los Angeles, and were asked to play for picketers during a strike.

Pacheco lets the music speak for itself, playing "De Paisano a Paisano" by Los Tigres del Norte, a group famous for the norteno style, which comes from the border of Mexico and the southern U.S. The song describes the shared experience of migrating Mexicans and examines what fuels their trek across the border. Pacheco also plays a song from his own band, Ozomatli, called "La Terperatura"; it's about encouraging people to voice their opinions about what it means to be an immigrant, as well as a part of the political discussion.

Listen to Raul Pacheco's essential San Antonio playlist on Spotify, and hear him play some of Ozomatli's classics in this session of World Cafe.

Session Playlist
Los Tigres del Norte, "De Paisano a Paisano"
Ozomatli, "La Temperatura"

Latin Roots #17: Samba Music
August 23, 2012

Grammy-winning Latin-music producer Aaron Levinson joins WXPN's David Dye for this, the 17th segment of World Cafe's Latin Roots series. Levinson, a Philadelphia native, started his music career at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. With a background as a musician and composer, he's a former governor of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Levinson has gone on to start his own record label, Range Recording Studios, and has produced and released more than a dozen albums along the way.

For Latin Roots, Levinson focuses on samba music, with an emphasis on the history and traditions behind its rise in Latin America. Levinson explains how samba started in a Brazilian favela called Estacio in the 1930s while embracing the country's Afro-Brazilian history. Although samba comes from a much older, West African musical form, it still managed to reach a mass audience via the radio. Here, Levinson plays a selection of samba music — including Jorge Ben's cover of the samba song "O Telefone Tocou Novamente," which is infused with the clear influence of American soul music.

Listen to the full session at NPR.org

Session Playlist:
Jorge Ben, "O Telefone Tocou Novamente"
Sambajazz Trio, "Sabor Antigo"

Latin Roots #16: 1950's San Antonio Music w/ Alejandro Escovedo
August 9, 2012

San Antonio native Alejandro Escovedo is the co-host of this sixteenth installment of Latin Roots, here to discuss the Latin character of his hometown's music in the 1950's.

Escovedo's music has a strong Latin influence as a result of growing up in San Antoinio and listening to his parent's music. His Dad played mariachi, and his parents also to rancheras, country, and big band music - which all seeped into what he does today.

Rancheras are Mexican country-western, cowboy music that is sung on the ranches. The singers dress in big hats, are always on horses, and ride in Mexican rodeos - it's all about the Mexican male and the ability to sing loudly. The songs are beautiful with a lot of harmonies. "Solamenta Una Vez" was his dad's absolute favorite and almost every Chicano family in the Southwest had the record. Eydie Gorme and Los Panchos were very popular at the time. On his new album, "Big Station," Alejandro covers "Sabor A Mi," a favorite song that his Dad used to his Mom when times were good.

Listen to the session at NPR.org

Session Playlist:
Trio Los Panchos / "Solamente Una Vez" / Grandes Exitos
Alejandro Escovedo / "Sabor A Mi" / Big Station

Spotify Playlist

Latin Roots #15: Catalina Maria Johnson on Rumba
July 26, 2012

This fifteenth installment of World Cafe’s Latin Roots music series is hosted by Chicago-based journalist Catalina Maria Johnson. She writes in Spanish and English for publications such as HOY, Revista Contratiempo, Gozamos and Nat Geo Music. and is a regular radio personality and hosts/producer for the radio program Beat Latino, which airs in Chicago, Mexico City and Berlin.

In the late 19th century, Rumba started to emerge in the port city of Matanzas, an hour east of Havana. Rumba is more than just a style of music. It is a unique cultural blend of ryhtym, dance, and poetry. Cuban rumba begins with a chant upon which different elements are added. It is an important part of Afro-Cuban culture, and in its earliest forms served as a form of personal entertainment - the style was played in backyards or on the streets with family and friends - and often times an outlet for protest. The music is held together by a clave beat and melds congolese drumming with traditional call-and-response in either flamenco or Moorish styles. Cuban Rumba laid the foundation for many other distinct styles of Latin music and informs modern Latin hip-hop and salsa. Las Krudas are an Austin-based hip-hop act that incorporate many cuban rumba elements.

Listen to the session at NPR.org/music.

Session Playlist:
Muñequitos de Matanzas / D'Palo pa Rumba / D' palo pa rumba
Pedro Martinez Group / Que Palo / From ?
Las Krudas / Vamo a vence' / Hip Hop Cubano CD2


Spotify Playlist for Cuban Rumba:
Toca la Clave by Kevin A. Davis from Rumba With Soul
Toca con clave by Los Papines from Los Papines siguen
Nadie Se Salva De La Rumba by Celia Cruz from Greatest Hits
D' palo pa rumba by Munequitos de Matanazas from D' palo pa rumba
Not Fade Away by Ned Sublette from Cowboy Rumba
A La Rumba by Jane Bunnett from Cuban Odyssey
De La Rumba Al Cha-Cha-Cha by X Alfonso from Homenaje
Superfinos Negros by Freehole Negro from Superfinos Negro
Vamo a vence' by Las Krudas from Hip-Hop Cubano CD

Latin Roots #14: Mariachi Music
July 12, 2012

Chicago-based music journalist Catalina Maria Johnson (link to http://catalinamariajohnson.com/) hosts this fourteenth installment of World Café’s Latin Roots music series. The bilingual and bicultural journalist is half Swedish and half Mexican and grew up in two cities both name St. Louis, one in Missouri, and the other, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She writes in Spanish and English for publications such as HOY, Revista Contratiempo, Gozamos and Nat Geo Music. She is a regular radio personality and hosts/produces the bilingual radio program Beat Latino, which airs in Chicago, Mexico City and Berlin.

In this session, WXPN’s David Dye sits down with Catalina Maria Johnson to discuss mariachi music. Johnson explains the origins of mariachi and how it started in Jalisco, Mexico in the late 1800s as an ensemble of strings and horns. She says that music is a part of every Mexican family celebration and that mariachi is a living tradition in Mexico. Today, bands mainly perform classic Mexican tunes in the mariachi ensemble style, but there is also a new movement of the younger generations mixing up traditional mariachi music non-ironically. To exhibit this transition, Johnson plays a selection of traditional and contemporary mariachi music.

Listen to Johnson’s picks in this Mariachi Spotify playlist. And, listen to the archived session at WorldCafe.NPR.org.

Session Playlist:
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan /FIESTA DEL MARIACHI / La Fiesta del Mariachi
Rana Santacruz / LOOPITA / Chicavasco
Mariachi El Bronx / LADY ROSALES / Lady Rosales

Mariachi Spotify Playlist
Mariachi Reyna de los Angeles - La Mujer Mexicana y El Cascabel
Mexico & Mariachis - Cancion del Mariachi
Jose Feliciano - Cucurrucucu Paloma
Mariachi Mystery Tour - Magical Mystery Tour
Mariachi El Bronx - Lady Rosales
Calexico - Muleta
The Allstonians - Mariachi Go Ska
Linda Ronstadt - Dos Arbolitos (Two Little Trees)
Rana Santa Cruz - Loopita

Latin Roots #13: Ernesto Lechner on Tango
June 28, 2012

For World Cafe’s thirteenth episode of Latin Roots, Latin music aficionado Ernesto Lechner chats about tango. Lechner was born and raised in Beunos Aires, the birthplace of tango. He was first fully immersed in Latin music after moving to Los Angeles and has since written several books on the subject, including Rock en Espanol: The Latin Alternative Rock Explosion. Lechner also co-hosts the radio show Latin Alternative and is a contributing writer for Rolling Stone, Chicago Tribune, and L.A. Times.

Instantly recognizable for its predominant use of the bandoneon, an accordion-like instrument, and its striking syncopation, tango blossomed in Argentina and Uruguay in the mid-19th century. Like salsa, early tango involved both formalistic music and dance. Perhaps because of this, Lechner feels that the genre was not considered cool growing up in Argentina in the 70’s. However, innovators like Astor Piazzolla adapted the style and introduced jazz and classical influences. Lechner also talks about tango’s current revitalization, due to the influences of electronic on the genre. The Paris-based Gotan project pioneered electrotango, which may explain renewed interest in the style in Argentina. State-sponsored milongas, or tango-dancing events, are increasingly popular with Argentine youth.

Session Playlist:
Carlos Gardel / EL DIA QUE ME QUIERES /The Best of Carlos Gardel
Gotan Project/ DIFERENTE /Lunático

Spotify Playlist
Juan D'Arienzo – La cumparsita
Carlos Gardel – El Día Que Me Quieras
Tita Merello – Hotel Victoria
Carlos Di Sarli y su Orquesta Típica – Bahía Blanca - Instrumental
Anibal Troilo – Malena
Julio Sosa – Pa Que Sepan Como Soy
Astor Piazzolla – Adios Nonino
Gotan Project – Diferente
Néstor Marconi – Sobre Imágenes
Los Del Zaguán – Azul Melancolía

Latin Roots #12: Ernesto Lechner on Bossa Nova
June 14, 2012

This installment of the Latin Roots Series explores Bossa Nova music, guided by Latin music expert, Ernesto Lechner. Lechner grew up in Buenos Aires where his parents’ record collection consisted of classical records and a solitary Bossa Nova LP. He later immigrated to Los Angeles where he was immersed in Latin music and subsequently became a music journalist and published several books on Latin music. He joined our host, David Dye, for this session to explore Bossa Nova, including the origins, influences and musical components of the popular Brazilian style of music. Bossa Nova, originated in Brazil in the late '50s when a new generation of musicians, fascinated with American jazz, combined jazz with samba. It gained popularity in the 1960s. Lechner shares two Bossa Nova tracks to give a sense of the genre. The first, “Samba De Uma Nota So” by Silvia Telles; the latter is “So Nice (Summer Samba)” by Bebel Gilberto from the album "Tanto Tempo," known as contemporaty bossa nova, or Electronica.

Ernesto Lechner is the co-host of the radio show "Latin Altnerative" and a contributing writer for Rolling Stone, LA Times, and Chicago Tribue. He's also the author of "Rock en Espanol: The Latin Altnerative Rock Explosion."

Listen to the session at WorldCafe.NPR.org.

Session Playlist:
Silvia Telles / SAMBA DE UMA NOTA SO / Amor em Hi-Fi
Bebel Gilberto / SO NICE (SUMMER SAMBA) / Tanto Tempo

Bossa Nova Spotify Playlist:
Stan Getz – The Girl From Ipanema
Antonio Carlos Jobim – Wave
Sylvia Telles – Samba De Uma Nota Só
Tamba Trio – O Barquinho
Rosalia De Souza – Maria Moita
João Gilberto – Chega De Saudade (No More Blues)
Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 – Mais Que Nada
Os Cariocas – Só Tinha De Ser Com Você
Elis Regina – Águas De Março
Vinícius de Moraes – Tomara

Latin Roots #11: The Underground Beat on Reggaeton
May 31, 2012

On the eleventh installment of Latin Roots, NPR's Jasmine Garsd discusses the history of Reggaeton. Born and raised in Beunos Aires, Garsd spent her teenage years hooked on Argentinian rock. Garsd moved to the United States after high school, where she encountered an eclectic mix of American music as well. She co-hosts NPR's online program Alt. Latino with Felix Contreras.

Garsd traces the roots of Reggaeton to Jamaican migrant laborers who brought reggae to Panama in the '70s, laying the basis for Spanish Reggae. From Panama and Puerto Rico arose a distinct blend of salsa, rap, hip-hop and reggae with a characteristic beat called "dembow". From its origins until the mid-90's, Reggaeton was a strictly underground genre and discussed drugs, urban crime, and sex. The Puerto Rican government cracked down on Reggaeton much like the US government reacted to gangster rap. Reggaeton often gets a bad rap from music purists, although Garsd defends the genre’s particular confluence of styles and simple rhythms as true Latin urban expression.

Listen to the session at WorldCafe.NPR.org.

Session Playlist:
Nore/ Oye Mi Canto (CLEAN EDIT) / 1 Fan a Day
Tego Calderon /Pegaito a la Pared / Pegaito a la Pared "The Remixes"

Spotify Playlist:
Se Vale To-To - Clean Version
Pegaito A La Pared - Reggaeton Mix
Rompe - Remix (Edited)
Rakata
Cuentale
Pobre Diabla
La Intelectual

Latin Roots #10: Bachata, Latin Music's Underdog, Grows Up
May 17, 2012

We've heard from Alt. Latino co-host Felix Contreras, but today we'll hear from the show's other half, Jasmine Serena Garsd. Garsd was raised in Buenos Aires and connected with the Argentinean rock scene in her teens. She moved to the United States after high school, an experience which exposed her to American music and she is now one of the co-hosts of Alt.Latino, a weekly show on NPR Music that explores music from all over the western hemisphere.

In this session, David Dye and Jasmine Garsd discuss bachata music. Jasmine explains that bachata was an underdog in the music world, shunned in the Dominican Republic in the 60's and 70's. By the 80's, bachata became more mainstream, as artists fused it with electric guitar and pop. Garsd discusses the evolution of bachata and the artists who played it, including Antony Romeo Santos, whose most recent album features Usher.

Listen to the session at WorldCafe.NPR.org

Session Playlist
Marino Perez / O La Pago Yo O La Paga Ella / Bachata Roja
Antony Santos / Ay Mujer / La Batalla
Juan Luis Guerra / Burbujas de Amor / Bachata Rosa
Romeo Santos featuring Usher / Promise / Formula, Vol. 1

Spotify Playlist

Latin Roots #9: The Political Beginnings Of Latin Rock
May 3, 2012

On this episode of Latin Roots, Felix Contreras returns to discuss the Latin alternative music of the 70's. Contreras is a connoisseur of sorts when it comes to Latin music. He hosts NPR's Alt.Latino, reports on jazz, world music and Latin culture for NPR's Arts Desk, and plays in several Latin and jazz bands. Here Contreras discusses how politics in the 1970's influenced Latin music of the era.

In the '70s, Latin music was impacted by politics, from Vietnam War protests to the farm workers' movement. Contreras says that political and social awareness was reflected in the Latin Alternative music of artists like El Chicano and Azteca. He also describes how artists wanted to move away from traditional mariachi and accordion conjunto sounds in favor of a progressive mixture of Afro-Cuban, blues and jazz. After addressing "Chicano bible music" and the way it brought together younger and older generations of Latin musicians, Contreras talks about the Escovedo family and how it impacted Latin music, including his own personal playing style.

Listen to his picks in this 70's Latin Rock Spotify playlist. And, Listen to the archived session at WorldCafe.NPR.org.

Session Playlist
El Chicano / "Viva Tirado" / Viva Tirado
El Chicano / "Sabor A Mi" / Chicano Chant
Azteca / "Ah Ah" / Azteca

Latin Roots #8: The Lasting Fad Of Boogaloo
April 19, 2012

This episode of Latin Roots features Felix Contreras, co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's online music program about Latin Alternative music. Also a reporter and producer for NPR's Arts Desk, Contreras specializes in jazz, world music and Latino arts and culture. A part-time musician who plays Afro-Cuban percussion in several Latin and jazz bands, Contreras is uniquely qualified to discuss Latin Alternative music. In this episode, he speaks about boogaloo, how it developed and how it impacts Latin music today.

Contreras explains that boogaloo is considered the first Nuyorican music. It developed in the late '50s and early '60s as the result of Puerto Ricans and Cubans listening to both the folk music of their parents' generation and contemporary pop and R&B. Contreras discusses the culturally significant songs "Watermelon Man," "El Watusi" and "The Oohs." He also describes the conflicts within the Latin music community that arose from the boogaloo movement, how boogaloo faded out and how it lives on, in some ways, even today.

Hear Felix Contreras' essential boogaloo playlist on Spotify. And, listen to the session at Latin Roots, the lasting fad of boogaloo, on NPR.org/music.

Session Playlist
Mongo Santamaria, "Watermelon Man"
Joe Cuba Sextet, "Bang Bang"
Eric Bobo & Latin Bitman, "The Oohs"

Latin Roots #7 - Forty Years of Latin Funk
April 5, 2012

On this seventh segment of the Latin Roots Music Series, Josh Norek is back. The co-host and executive producer of The Latin Alternative - a one hour radio show of Latin funk, hip-hop, and electronica - (http://www.facebook.com/TheLatinAlternative) is in the studio to lay down some Latin funk beats and describe the origins of this genre. Norek is also a musician, producer, and journalist who currently works for the Latin indie label Nacional Records as VP of Business Affairs & Digital Relations.

In this World Cafe session, Josh Norek and David Dye explore the cultural roots of Latin funk, a mixing of Latin grooves and Afro-American funk. It's been evolving for over forty years now, arising out of urban centers and the earlier salsa + R&B mixes such as boogaloo. Given the melting pot that is New York, the exposure of young musicians to variants of jazz, soul, funk, and the diversity of Latin rhythms and instrumentation created an environment of experimentation. Norek describes the ties of Latin funk to the Latino pride movement, and plays a song from the famous Latin percussionist Ray Barretto that expresses this pride. Then Norek describes the diversification of Latin funk over the last few decades, and spins a track from the latest retro Latin funk release by Venezuelan outfit Los Amigos.

Check out the Latin Funk Spotify playlist. And, Listen to the archived session at WorldCafe.NPR.org.

Session Playlist
Ray Barretto, "Together"
Los Amigos Invisibles, "La Lluvia Sabe Que No Andas Sola"

Latin Roots #6 - The Rise of Latin Hip Hop w/ Josh Norek
March 22, 2012

On this sixth segment of the Latin Roots music series, the co-host and executive producer of The Latin Alternative - a one hour radio show of Latin funk, hip-hop, and electronica - is in the studio to introduce Latin hip hop. Josh Norek is also a musician, producer, and journalist who currently works for the Latin indie label Nacional Records as VP of Business Affairs & Digital Relations. He and David Dye will explore some of the history and current directions of Latin hip hop. Arising first on the West Coast during the '80s and '90s, Latin hip hop was the manifestation of the mixing of cultures. As young members of the Hispanic population became exposed to urban rap sounds and shaped it into their own style, their beats began to spread from LA to the East Coast and then down through Mexico and South America. Artists began to incorporate Spanish language and other genres by turn (such as jazz in the case of Ana Tijoux and klezmer in the case of Norek's Hip Hop Hoodios), and Latin hip hop itself has become an influential musical force across the globe.

In this session, David Dye and Josh Norek explore the cultural dispersion that has helped create Latin hip hop. On both sides of the border, young artists began to sample their parents' music and combine it with the sound of burgeoning hip hop groups such as NWA. Since then, the genre has matured and become an influence in its own right. Norek plays from Tres Delinquentes, who he describes as the first 'post-racial' Latin Hip Hop crew, and also outlines the spread of the genre into South America with a smooth trip-hop arrangement from Ana Tijoux.

Check out the Spotify playlist for The Rise of Latin Hip Hop. Listen to the full session at WorldCafe.NPR.org.

Session Playlist
Delinquent Habits, "Tres Deliquentes"
Ana Tijoux Feat. Jorge Drexler, "Sacar La Voz"

Latin Roots #5 - Tumbao
March 8, 2012

Tom Moon looks at tumbao - what the pianst does, and muntuno - the beat that the other musicians play. Montuno is a kind of syncopated piano vamp often used in traditional Cuban music. A 'vamp' is a repetitive musical accompaniment or phrase, often found in jazz, gospel, and soul. A 'vamp' is to those genres as a 'riff' is to rock music or a 'loop' is to hip hop. The literal translation of montuno is 'from the mountains', and it is often at the heart of Cuban dance music, giving piano players a range of harmonizing phrases to use.

David Dye talks with music journalist Tom Moon as they play a couple of montuno-based songs from well-known artists such as Rodrigo Y Gabriela and Eddie Palmieri. Tom Moon is a well-known writer and musician whose work has been featured in big name publications such as GQ, Rollingstone, and Vibe. He's also a professional saxophonist, and he's received accolades such as the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Music Journalism award. Given his experience playing Latin music, Moon gives insight into what it takes to reshape traditional music into something new.

Listen to the archived session at WorldCafe.NPR.org. And, check out the Tumbao Spotify playlist.

Session Playlist
Eddie Palmieri, "Conmigo"
Rodrigo Y Gabriela, "Diablo Rojo"

Latin Roots #4 - Festejo, Afro-Peruvian music with Novalima
February 23, 2012

Explore the roots of Afro-Peruvian music with Novalima in this segment of Latin Roots from World Cafe.

Originating in coastal Peru and comprised of contributions from African, Spanish, and South American cultures, festejo takes its name from 'fiesta', the Spanish word for festival. It is often accompanied by a competitive and lively dancing, as well as call-and-response vocals, a celebration put to music and tied to historical roots. In this interview, David Dye talks with Novalima members Grimaldo Del Solar (arranger, artwork, composer, programming) and Alfonso Montesinos (bass) about this 100-year-old style of festejo, and the several different forms it can take through varying rhythms. Festejo has influenced their live improvisations, and inspired Novalima to become less like a studio project and more spontaneous.

The title of Novalima's latest single, "Festejo," takes it's name from this popular form of celebratory Peruvian music.

Check out the Spotify Playlist for Festejo. Listen to the archived session on WorldCafe.NPR.org.

Session Playlist
Novalima - "El Negrito Chinchivi"
Novalima - "Festejo"

Latin Roots #3 - The Backbone of Latin Music, Clave
February 9, 2012

This session of Latin Roots is devoted to all things "clave." Music journalist Tom Moon sat down with our host, David Dye, to discuss the history of clave in Latin Music. Clave, which means code or key, functions as such rhythmically. Tom Moon explains how clave was introduced to Cuba and how it played into different trends and movements within Cuban music. Moon walks us through the Cuban standard, "Bruca Manigua," and the unexpected return to clave in Luis Enrique's "Yo No Se Manana." He also discusses how clave has been incorporated into music outside of the Latin world- from Johnny Otis to Bruce Springsteen.

Tom Moon began his career in music studying professional saxophone at University of Miami's School of Music. He played in back-up bands, orchestras and even cruises, but found himself drawn to the world of music journalism when he started to freelance write for the Miami Herald. Moon went on to write for GQ, Rolling Stone, Vibe and NPR, including All Things Considered and World Cafe. Moon has won multiple awards for his work in music journalism, including a "Heroes" award from the Recording Academy. He has also published a book, "1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die." "1,000 Recordings" is, as Moon puts it, "an exploration" into music from all over the world, including, of course, instances of clave.

Listen to Tom Moon's World Cafe Latin Roots session on WorldCafe.NPR.org.
Listen to Tom's essential playlist on Spotify.

Session Playlist
Orquesta Casino De La Playa, "Bruca Manigua"
Luis Enrique, "Yo No Se Mañana"
Johnny Otis, "Willie and the Hand Jive"
Bruce Springsteen, "She's the One"

Latin Roots #2: The Late Resurgence Of Cumbia
January 26, 2012

To introduce us to a corner of Latin roots music called Cumbia, Grammy-winning producer and record label owner Aaron Levinson is in the studio. Affiliated with a number of professional recording academies and societies, this internationally known musician also owns a recording studio in Ardmore and has consistently received recognition for his work with Latin music. In the studio today, Aaron and David talk about the origin and evolution of Cumbia, including its late resurgence in popularity in New York, and listen to songs by Bomba Estereo and Rodolfo Y Su Tipica.

Cumbia is the manifestation of a melding of cultures, and it originated in Colombia. Mixing the music of native Colombians, slaves from Africa, and Spanish colonizers, Cumbia first rose to prominence in the 1960s on the coasts of Colombia. It made its way across the continents, evolving for Mexican and Peruvian listeners, and eventually reaching the United States in the 21st century. Cumbia enthusiasm was rekindled in Colombia as New York artists began to popularize the historically courtship dance music. In the interview, Aaron and David explore the many forms of Cumbia--from the hip-hop elements in today's cumbia to the geographical understanding of cumbia to traditional Cumbia elements of many drums, claves, guitars, clarinet, and flute.

Visit our page at WorldCafe.NPR.org for the interview and performance, along with a Spotify playlist inspired by this segment.

Session Playlist
Rodolfo Y Su Tipica, "La Colegiala" (Greatest Cumbia Classics Of Colombia Vol. 1)
Bomba Estereo, "Fuego" (Blow Up)

Latin Roots #1: Salsa, With a Twist
January 12, 2012

Latin music expert, Aaron Luis Levinson sits down with David Dye and shares his take on the music, beat and culture of Salsa. Levinson, a member of the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, is a Grammy-winning producer, musician, composer and owner of Range Recording Studios in Ardmore, PA. You'll hear music from Bio Ritmo and Cortijo on today's segment.

Latin Roots will feature other expert guests including Felix Contreras, a reporter and producer for NPR's Arts Desk and the co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's new web-based program about Latin alternative music. Tom Moon will also serve as a guest contributor. Moon is a Music Reviewer for NPR and has been writing about pop, rock, jazz, blues, hip-hop and music across the globe for more than 25 years.

For more World Cafe Latin music moments, and to listen to this session, visit our page at WorldCafe.NPR.org. There you will find links to interviews and performances with artists like Juana Molina, Ximena Sarinana, Ana Tijoux and Puerto Plata, as well as a Spotify playlist inspired by each segment currated by the guest.

Session Playlist
Cortijo, "Carnaval" (La Maquina del Tiempo)
Bio Ritmo, "Carnaval" (La Verdad)

Latin Roots is made possible by a grant from the Wyncote Foundation.