Rough Guide to the Music of Venezuela

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 17, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: World Music Network
• ASIN: B0000CNXD9
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,029 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #94 in Music > World Music > South & Central America > Venezuela

Track Listings

1. Caracas, Caracas - Un Solo Pueblo

2. Madrugada Llanera - Mario Suarez

3. Deshonestidad - Guaco

4. Gavilan - Dimension Latina

5. Ariel - Oscar D'Leon Y Sus Amigos

6. La Paloma - Quinto Criollo

7. Mosaico Tradicional - Tambor Urbano

8. Las Tres Damas - Saul Vera

9. Malembe - Raices De Chuspa

10. Moliendo Cafe - Hugo Blanco

11. Caballo Viejo - Simon Diaz

12. Viva Venezuela - Un Solo Pueblo

13. Palo Palo - Maracaibo 15

14. Los Cadetes - Oscar D'Leon Y Sus Amigos

15. Calipso De El Callao - Alberto Naranjo Y Su Trabuco

16. El Meneito - Grupo Barlovento

17. Julio Moreno/Linda Manana - Vasallos Del Sol

18. Pajarillo Revuelto - Bandolas de Venezuela

19. Pajarillo Verde - Soledad Bravo

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Suenos venezolanos, July 7, 2005

By 

Lawrence Waldron (Queens, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rough Guide to the Music of Venezuela (Audio CD)

I'm surprised that a compilation could so capture me. This music haunts me. Venezuelan music in all its myriad forms can have that effect. It comes wafting over the radio waves into neighboring Colombia and Trinidad and our mouths hang open in astonishment. Sometimes we wipe a nostalgic tear, often we get up and dance, sometimes we press our ears to the speakers to figure out "what is that instrument they are playing?" Well here is an eclectic mix of what Venezuela has to offer, without the static on the radio. You can answer for yourself why their Boleros are so heavenly and bittersweet, why their Palo sounds so African, why their Parranda is so hearty, why their voices are so salty and full of life's pathos.
And then there are things on here that you cannot categorize so easily...typically syncretic:Venezolana tipical.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Que bonita es la musica de Venezuela, June 29, 2004

By 

D. Pawl "Dani" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rough Guide to the Music of Venezuela (Audio CD)

This album is a great introduction to musica Venezolana and is also a great CD period for those of us who already know and love the diverse styles and sounds that come from the beautiful country. I can proudly say that I descend from the rich and varied culture of Venezuela on my father's side. I really wanted to learn more about my music and all the variations of its genres and flavors.

A ROUGH GUIDE TO THE MUSIC OF VENEZUELA takes a great sampling from musicians and styles (llanera waltz, Afro-Venezuelan music, joropo, gaita...and, of course, it wouldn't be the same without a couple of tracks from "El Leon" himself, Oscar de Leon). Some of my favorite tracks are the gorgeous "Gavilan," a catchy and danceable salsa track, "Caballo Viejo," a traditional llanera tune, "Pajarillo Revuelto," a song with gorgeous accompaniment, and the touching "Pajarillo Verde" (recorded by the legendary Soledad Brava).

I cannot begin to reccomend this album to you enough! Please give it a listen. There are so many beautiful types of Latin music that go beyond salsa! (I say this with full respect because I love salsa as well. It's just well worth exploring the rich sounds of other rhythms and voices you might not be familiar with.)