Soul Jazz make you want to buy their compilations, pure and simple – and with its brightly coloured artwork and promise of music to match, Jende Ri Palenge is no different. And so it proves, this introduction to the music and people of Palenque, Colombia, proving to be a complete eye-opener. The first of two CDs introduces the original music, so we get the propulsive Kunchuzo with ‘Estrellas Del Caribe’, the moving unaccompanied song that is Palenque and the persuasive swaying of 11. CD2 lets a crack team of remixers loose on the originals, with a surprisingly subtle outcome to mixes like 4 and the spaced out 6. Manuela Torres, Matias Aguayo and Osunlade add to a quality filled roster. As if these two discs aren’t enough there is a half hour film too, looking at this ‘corner of Africa in Colombia’. Watching it is an enlightening experience, immersing yourself in the music of this collection is to add another musical dimension to your knowledge. One of those compilations that demands to be heard, and offers outstanding value at the same time.
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
