Will Holland returns in his latest guise, "Quantic and His Combo Barbaro," with a simply joyful album - brimming with Colombian styles and beyond. It is his ear and innate understanding of pretty any musical style that leaves me staggered. "Tradition in Transition," is an excellent title - this is the intermeshing of classical salsa and mambo rhythms with new, fresh touches.
"Mas Pan," sends a nod to West Africa with those fat horns and snaking guitar riff. "Albela," is a really interesting track for me - an amalgam of North African lyrics and Central American percussion.
For those who like to dance and skip around there's the fantastic,"New Morning," a real hip swayer.
The record is bolstered by the presence of Brazilian strings legend Arthur Verocai - my favourite arrangment from him coming on the deliciously dark,"Cancao do Deserto."
Alfredo Linares is brilliant on the piano throughout, while British percussionist Malcolm Catto just can't seem to be stop being around brilliant records.
Please make this an essential summer purchase. I really can't wait to see this lot in action in London at the start of September.
