By the 1960s, the word “salsa” had become an umbrella phrase for a variety of Latin, primarily Afro-Cuban, music styles. “Salsa” is Spanish for “sauce” and, when used in a culinary setting, refers to something spicy that adds an extra kick to a dish. As a result, salsa has truly become mainstream. Featured prominently on television’s popular dance contest shows, tens of thousands of dance schools have incorporated salsa classes, thousands of nightclubs now offer salsa nights and scores of international salsa congresses and cruises draw in hundreds of thousands of salsa dancers.

While the irresistible sounds of Afro-Latin music have long been a highlight of Putumayo collections, ¡Salsa! focuses on the upbeat, danceable style that has become a worldwide phenomenon.

The Africando All Stars and Brooklyn Funk Essentials round out this collection, proving once and for all that the party is right here. Next we travel to Stockholm, Sweden, where the high-powered ensemble Calle Real is bringing a thaw to their native city. Experimenting with a variety of influences while maintaining his deep Latin roots has made this unique musician an unlikely pop star in his adopted home. The next stop on the party express is Belgium, where Gabriel Rios landed after leaving his native Puerto. On the West Coast, Argentinean ex-pats Los Pinguos and Congo native Ricardo Lemvo integrate various Latin elements that keep the party people on their feet. Not to be outdone, however, New York delivers a rhythm-driven one-two punch with The Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Yerba Buena contributing the best of the old school and the new.

Next the party travels to Colombia, where the collective known as La-33 is revitalizing salsa by reconnecting it to the genre’s golden era of the 1960s and 70s. Back in Cuba NG La Banda offer 'La Cachimba' their mission statement announcing the virtues of a new musical style that’s sure to make you dance. Raul Paz kicks it off with 'Mua Mua Mua,' seamlessly blending the deep grooves of his native Cuba with the contemporary stylings he’s picked up since relocating to France. The party starts in the streets of Havana before hitting the road. ¡Baila!.is a global Latin party featuring salsa, cumbia, and meringue mixed with contemporary dance beats and rhythms.

Putumayo italian cafe download