October 2007
Palacio's latest album, Watina, meaning "I called out," was recorded entirely in the native language and embraces the traditional styles of music and songwriting of the Garifuna. Most of the songs employ a formula of short, simple lyrics and a single, layered rhythm. Inspired by a blend of Latin, African and Carib styles, the album is both contemporary in the world-music context and traditional in an anthropological respect. Allow yourself to be taken away with the sounds: Swirling and sultry, sexily hot like the Caribbean sun, yet refreshingly cool like swimming beneath a rainforest waterfall, the music transports you to Belize and makes you a welcome guest in Palacio's world. You can sense the urgency in these songs, some of which are hauntingly sad, but these musicians have much to celebrate as well. They sing out, joyous and proud, on many tracks backed by a festive choir and aided by pulsing African and Latin rhythms. Regardless of the subject, all of the songs on Watina are representative of day-to-day Garifuna life and paint the image beautifully complete. Under the direction of Ivan Duran, the production is of the highest quality and meticulously perfected while at the same time maintaining the essence of Garifuna music. Palacio can be crowned the new ambassador of Garifuna, sharing and spreading the cultural wealth of his people to the benefit of us all. GO BACK TO: |
Andy Palacio & the Garifuna
Collective - Watina
