I have been a fan of Lila Downs for several years, and I have seen her perform live 7 or 8 times. I first heard hear sing the song "Naila" on a compilation disc of music from Mexico, and I fell in love! I was studying Spanish at the time, and the music really helped me learn the language. She has an amazing voice, an amazing band, and she is an amazing beauty. I first bought the disc "La Linea" ( The Border") and then collected them all, including another new CD and DVD only available in Mexico at this time that shows a great concert in Spain.
"Shake Away" has more songs in English than any other disc, and a lot of guest artists including Mercedes Sosa, and the singer from Cafe Tacuba which, if you know these two names, illustrates the range of music presented here. A haunting ballad, "I Envy the Wind", is exquisite, I can't stop playing it. "Little Man" is a guitar and horn driven New Orleans style rocker. There's a version of Santana's "Black Magic Woman" and a beautiful folk song called "I Would Never". The range of her voice and the range of her music is exceptional. Not to mention the band, especially the harp player Celso Duarte from Paraguay (find a live version of the Iguana song!). Great precussionists too! This is an international band capable of rocking out, making you cry, and bringing you joy. Folk, Jazz, Rock, Latin, Cumbia, Traditional, even a little bit of rap...it's all here, with little bits of politics mixed in. Great stuff! See her if you have a chance!