Customer Reviews

La Semilla Escondida

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I bought this album in Paris last October and it's barely been out of my boom box since then. Following in the footsteps of Manu Chao, Garcia has taken himself to unforeseen heights here. Like Chao, Bruno "Sergent" Garcia is French-born of Spanish parents, and he's staked out a piece of territory halfway between Jamaica and Cuba, with major influences from Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. There are no Latin cuts here that aren't at least a little reggae, and no reggae cuts that aren't at least a little Latin. The fusion is seamless, the energy high, the melodies irresistible, the musicianship impeccable, and the guest stars impressive. Parts of the album were recorded in Cuba and Jamaica--ex-Wailers keyboardist Tyrone Downie fully brings the Wailers sound to "Mi Ultima Voluntad" and "Poetas," and the Cubans shine especially brightly on "El Regreso."

I can't say enough about this album.

I thought Manu Chao was at the apex of this wonderful new musical fusion that is coming out of Spain, but this takes the cake.

This album is a great example of an artist who could be raking in major bucks with potenial hit after hit but since he won't comprimise his political beliefs, you won't hear him on the radio anytime soon. How sad.

Booming riddim after booming riddim, catchy all the way through. You will be addicted to the great combo of salsa and dancehall, ragga. The instrumentation is impeccable.

cheers to El Sargento

peace

Can't wait for Manu Chao's new offering. I hear he is recording with a couple of artists from Mali. Should be great. Manu doing African pop, can't wait to spin that at the parties.

I'm not really too much of a salsa or reggae fan. I bought this album after hearing a story about "salsamuffin" and Mr. Garcia on NPR. I thought his story was interesting and the snippets of music that were presented were quite appealing. The whole concept of "salsamuffin" as presented by Mr. Garcia was intriguing.

I'm hooked. This is a pleasant and energetic hybrid of Caribbean, African, reggae and salsa music that is infectious. The songs all have high energy, a nice emotive quality and a high level of musicianship. The production values are better than I expected, given that Mr. Garcia is based out of Havana and one presumes that he's not using state-of-the art equipment on the recording side.

This album has retained a more-or-less permanent place in my car CD player. It's a great road album!

Highly recommended!

Once again the Sargento does it... he's an outlaw. Former member of mythic Ludwig Von 88, he changed direction into a finder of rythms from all over the world (see the list of invited musicians to his sessions). Well done... and let's dance.

I am a huge fan of reggae and salsa music and somehow had never heard of Segent Garcia until a month or so ago. After buying every CD of his I could find, and listening to them a whole bunch, I can safely say that this is some of the best music around. I am late to the Sergent Garcia party, but better late than never.

"La Semilla Escondida" is a magnificent album that blends many musical styles, with reggae and salsa playing a prominent role. Garcia seamlessly moves from style to style, while much of the time blending them together for a high-energy unique sound. The musicianship is tight and brilliant throughout the album.

If, like me, you are just recently hearing about Sergent Garcia I urge you to pick up any of his albums. It doesn't matter if you are into reggae or salsa or not, this is music that transcends any genre. All of his albums pretty much stick to the same formula of a variety of styles, with an emphasis on a reggae and salsa vibe. "La Semilla Escondida" is a brilliant work and is as good a starting place to become familiar with Sergent Garcia as any. I cannot say enough good things about this guy's music. It truly is amazing stuff!

Nonstop rythom! Reggae Roots, Salsa with conscious lyrics in Spanish, English & French. It's a must have! An investment that will make you dance while you meditate..