Like every other country, Venezuela is a patchwork of musical styles, and this compilation offers a taste of several of them, from the salsa of Oscar D'Leon y Sus Amigos -- whose two tracks here are used to full effect -- to the gorgeous folkloric styles of national treasures Un Solo Pueblo and Hugo Blanco, the latter of whose classic "Moliendo Café" has spawned more the 200 cover versions, although the original still crackles with life and energy. Thankfully, there are spotlights on both the wonderful Simon Diaz and Soledad Bravo, who has a wonderfully passionate voice. Grupo Barlovento explores the Afro-Venezuelan tradition, something that generally gets very little international exposure, and Maracaibo 15 shows off the percussive gaita style on "Palo Palo." The excellent booklet gives an indication of the number of styles and instruments that abound within the country -- the 19 tracks here barely scratch the surface, but do a very good job of indicating not only the breadth, but also the quality, of music emanating from Venezuela. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
Louise Mitton (Coordination), Dan "Boxcar" Rosenberg (Compilation), Duncan Baker (Coordination), Phil Stanton (Producer), Lawrence Cedar (Mastering), Wildcat (Design), Wildcat (Artwork), Alberto Naranjo (Arranger), Soledad Bravo (Arranger), Dan "Boxcar" Rosenberg (Sleeve Notes)
