"This CD was great. The artwork and information about the artists are almost as good. I think people should buy this compilation to learn more about Colombia and to embrace it's beautiful culture even though the country has problems. Colombianos are some hardworking, great people. There is so much more that people cannot see. If you like this, buy anything buy Carlos Vives, Carolina Lao, and Yolanda Rayo who are all Colombian artists. Aún que no soy colombiana tengo mucho respeto para la comunidad colombiana y su cultura hermosa. Quisiera dar respeto a mi gente colombiana de Medellin, Cali, Bogotá, y más. Paz y respeto, parceros..."
Putumayo return to their roots
skak1 | 03/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Putumayo label was named after a valley in Colombia where its founder discovered a scenic paradise. The highly informative sleeve notes (in English and Spanish) express sadness that the country has recently been ripped apart by violence and drug-dealing but also underline the hope that comes from the continued attachment of the country's musicians to a sense of beauty. This South American nation is surrounded by three important waterways- the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Amazon and this influences the music. A variety of styles are present here- ranging from Salsa to Colombia's most popular home-grown form 'Cumbia' (which was itself developed from west African music). As usual with Putumayo collections the choice of songs is very good combining the traditional with the contemporary. There are very few weak links on this album and almost all the songs will get you dancing. This is one of the very best collections from one of the leading world music labels. My only regret is that they don't include Colombia's best group: Aterciopelados."
My best Columbian CD!
Elizabeth McGuire | PA, USA | 10/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First of all, I own over 400 Latin music CDs because I have a true and devoted appreciation to all Latin American countries being hispanic. But I have to say that it's the Colombian music that always has the magic of simultaneously making my feet dance and touch my heart with its superb beat and lyrics. Of course, I have yet to be disappointed with a Putamayo CD but this one hits home. If you want to get a real taste of the different beats that Columbia has to offer - "Vallenato", "cumbia", "porro", "salsa" from TOP artists, you must get this. To top it all off, each of the artists/bands listed has their own collection of incredible hits. Dan Storper (CEO) not only offers historical information about Colombia in the enclosed booklet, but he also includes background stories of each artist. I bought this at full price when living in NY so this is an even better deal. By the way, if you are ever in NY, check out Chibcha - this Columbian night club has lasted for so many years - they always play good oldies and contemporary Colombian as well as other latino music. Don't forget to check out the collections of the artists listed. Enjoy!"
What a great album!
nomado | Princeton, NJ USA | 06/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this because I am getting to know a couple from Colombia. Although I had heard Salsa and some other Carribean music, I didn't expect to enjoy this album so much. It has a nice variety that flows together well. I just keep going back to it, singing with some of it, dancing with my baby son inn my arms."