CD Review: Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca - Isabella

Those pesky world music artists are at it again, fusing elements of various genres of music in ways that are simply impossible to categorize. And, gosh darn it, they're doing a really, really excellent job of it. Case in point: Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca's new CD Isabela. Ricardo Lemvo was born in the Congo, and now makes his home in LA, where he and his band are wildly popular among salsa aficionados for their intricate use of Afro-Cuban rhythms and multicultural flair. With Isabela, Makina Loca takes it one step further, bringing in even more African elements, resulting in a seriously hot album.

While you're at it, check out Latin Music guide Tijana Ilich's review of the jazz-laden Brazilian fusion debut of up-and-coming diva CeU (pronounced like "Cell", without the "l" sound), as well as the latest release from world music uber-label Putumayo - a home-grown foray into Americana!