Beauty, soul, longing, masterful piece of music

I first discovered Lila Downs in the world music section of my local library. The CD was Border (La Linea). I happened to be taking a road trip from California to northern Arizona. The Cd fit the landscape perfectly, and opened me up to new ideas regarding latin culture. I was hooked. La Sanduga was next. I was awe struck, and inspired. Frida Khalo, color, the beauty, native culture, food, it all filled with music of Mexico, Mixtec, Oaxaca.

With a few tequilas more...

... I can give five stars.

Futuristic earthy passion

A departure of sorts from her previous four excellent discs this one nonetheless does not dissapoint. When I read on her website of this release I went down to Tijuas (Tee-ahhh- wannna to many of you) immediately to get a copy. Two weeks later and I still play it constantly. Now for the music, Lila proves again she is a force or should I say coup de foundre because once you hear her latest effort you will be struck as though by a thunderbolt and love it. There is tradition found in these songs but innovation in their arrangements thanks to her querido Paul Cohen, Aniero Tano,Ernesto Anaya, Michael Ramos and of course the fantastic Lila. Take for example the Jose Alfredo Jimenez(four of his compositions are featured) song "Tu Ruecuerdo Y Yo" that mixes traditional and electric guitar sounds with modern electronic loop elements , puntuated by a distinct Lila hip-hop narrative blending with the more tears in your beers style of the original song for a unique interpretation that pleases. The opening track "La Cumbia del Mole" is off the hook with its cumbia beat with electronica mixed in ala Celso Pina for a delicious treat. Only Lila can sing about food and make your mouth water for reasons unknown. The song is so good she performs it twice, once again in English just for good measure. This is the only song sung in English. Her and Paul did a marvelous job bringing to life the ingredients that make up this exquisite ancient dish.Like the many ingredients needed to create mole this CD combines various styles to serve up a tasty offering. Lila has written several of the songs including "El Corrido de Tacha La Teibolera" that sounds traditional but has that modern electronic phasing infusion. You get the norteno sound with a twist. There is the feel of old Mexico(including gritos) throughout this CD, complete with barking dogs, especially on the traditional songs like "La Cama de Pierda" that finds Lila in fine vocal(she utilizes her range) form sounding like some forlorn Adelita or "El Relamago" the often Mariachi recorded song where Lila undoubtedly will be zapataendo on her current tour as she sings her way into your heart. "La Tequilera" has Lila streching out her notes with some cool electronic loops juxtaposed with the traditional norteno sound. She does a marvelous job on the Jose Alfredo Jimenez compostions, including"Pa' Todo El Ano"(she gave a sneak peak listen of this at her Christmas performance in LA) that has Lila performing a bare bones production number that is primarily her voice and guitar with accompanying clapping and whooping adoration, "La Noche de mi Mal" is in a similar vein where the emphasis is Lila's voice with guitar, violins and harp, the bittersweet "Amarga Navidad" closes out the disc with a song that would make Lola Beltran applaud."Arboles de la Barranca" has that full banda sound that will have you swaying from side to side to the wild horns. I really enjoy this disc for several reasons. First I think Lila Downs is a Mexican Goddess with a voice for the ages, who performs incredible shows and besides I love Mexican music. This is the complete package, tradition and the future mixed together for the adoring fans. This is ranchera music for the twenty first century that captivates with it's suttle electronic arrangements while it weaves in barely perceptible electronica beats to tejano music. Lila is always blazing a musical path, this time she has one foot securely in the past as she is stepping forward in her musical quest. Recommended for people who like adventure along the traditional path.