
Various: Jambalaya 2004
By Jessie Scoullar
Jambalaya is the NZ Festival of Rhythm and Dance, held annually at Taupo over Easter weekend. It's a three day festival exploring the musical styles of Cuba, Brazil, and the Pacific in a programme of workshops, shared performances and a carnival style parade. Jambalaya is also a compilation released on Bench Records featuring nine of the artists who performed at the festival: all Latin-influenced NZ bands. One Million Dollars is the most high profile act featured, and if you like the Auckland 10-piece then chances are you'll dig 'Jambalaya 2004'. Other noteworthy acts include Doub, the Sambassadors and Auckland-based Batucada Sound Machine who contribute two tracks. Standout track is Soy La Candela by Sabor, featuring powerful and beautiful vocals weaving and soaring amongst horns and seductive double bass. Even through sheets of rain on a cold Wellington day it invokes the sunshine and liquid refreshment of summer. If you're a fan of percussion and horns, then this one's for you.
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