Ruben Blades Melds Salsa and Swing on ‘Salswing’
Iconic Latin musician and actor Ruben Blades has fun breaking boundaries on his latest LP, Salswing, where he makes salsa really swing.
Marty Lipp
Marty Lipp has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsday, Details and The Star-Ledger. He focuses mostly on soulful world and regional music, both traditional and contemporary.
Raul Malo Gathers Friends and Mavericks for a Set of ‘Quarantunes’
Quarantined at home, Raul Malo released videos of some of his favorite songs, playing solo and inviting guests to form the Malo Family Band for Quarantunes.
Lake Street Dive Hold a Master Class in Sweet Soul-Pop with ‘Obviously’
On their latest album, Obviously, Lake Street Dive once again make smart, soulful pop that hums along with the integrated precision of an Indy race car.
Mariza Pays Tribute to Portuguese Fado and Its Queen
Mariza breathes new life into a traditional genre, rattling the rafters, but also showing how technique, control, and artistry can demonstrate another kind of power and ability to enrapture a listener.
Elvis Costello Gets Dark and Brooding on ‘Hey Clockface’
Elvis Costello is a complex man of dark humor and flashes of anger as he keeps fighting the good fight armed with a razor wit.
Elvis Costello Gets Dark and Brooding on ‘Hey Clockface’
Elvis Costello is a complex man of dark humor and flashes of anger as he keeps fighting the good fight armed with a razor wit.
Pink Martini’s China Forbes Discusses New Songs Created in the Pandemic
Despite a global pandemic and a year of difficult unrest, Pink Martini's China Forbes soldiers on with her band's sharp eye for optimism and a newfound life mission.
The Pogues’ ‘The BBC Sessions 1984-1986’ Honors Working-Class Heroes
The Pogues' BBC Sessions 1984-1986 is a welcome chapter in the musical story of these working-class heroes, who reminded listeners of the beauty and dignity of the strong, sooty backs upon which our industrialized world was built.
Colombia’s Simón Mejía Plugs Into the Natural World on ‘Mirla’
Bomba Estéreo founder Simón Mejía electrifies nature for a different kind of jungle music on his debut solo album, Mirla.
Raul Malo and the Mavericks Go ‘En Español’ on Their New Genre-Bending LP
Alt-country veterans the Mavericks mix their Latin heritage with their rock and country roots on En Español.
From Punk Fury to Mariachi Cries, the Bronx Make Mexican Style Their Own
Los Angeles punk rockers the Bronx morph into Mariachi El Bronx for Musica Muerta, which is a whole world of fun and well made too.
Natalia Lafourcade Stages a Stirring Benefit to Rescue Mexico’s Musical Heritage
Un Canto Por Mexico is a true labor of love. Natalia Lafourcade led with her heart and was elegantly guided by her refined musical intelligence.