Infectious melodies, organic rhythms.

• Author: Holston, Mark
• Position: Music Notes

Tania Libertad Negro Color (World Village 468032)

Eva Ayllon Eva! Leyenda Peruana (Times Square Records 9040)

Tania Libertad, a native of Peru and longtime resident of Mexico City, is known for her ability to interpret a wide range of styles of the Americas. On her new release she pays homage to the Afro-Peruvian tradition of her homeland, which has been a source of inspiration since childhood. The session's arrangements are more delicate in their percussive texture than many projects devoted to this entrancing style, and Libertad underscores the recording's decidedly relaxed mood through the inclusion of several ballads. She is particularly commanding on such deeply contemplative fare as the languorous "Dos gardenias," a bolero by Cuban composer Isolina Carrillo, where a piano is her sole accompaniment. She also exhibits exceptional taste, choosing to include the riveting "Funeral of a Farm Worker," by Brazil's Chico Buarque, a vocal duet with Brazilian singer Eder da Rosa, and famed Mexican composer Armando Manzanero's "Por debajo de la mesa," which she skillfully adapts to an Afro-Peruvian rhythmic setting. Libertad's shimmering voice, at times operatic in its clarity and intensity, is stunningly effective in the prevailing tranquil setting of this charismatic recording.

The Afro-Peruvian sound gets a jolt of up-tempo rhythms and flashy orchestrations on vocalist Eva Ayllon's expressive release. Her lusty voice and vivacious delivery, blended with the organic textures of the high-spirited accompaniment, bring a vibrant intensity to the idiom. Ayllon devotes part of the program to traditional Afro-Peruvian fare, including several works by revered composer Chabuca Granda. The presence of a female vocal chorus, the addition of such renowned musicians as Colombian woodwind artist Justo Almario, and a salvo of Afro-Cuban percussion on some tracks create an incendiary groove.

Maria Marquez Princesa de la Naturaleza (Adventure Music 10132)

Mariana Montalvo Piel de Aceituna (World Village 468031)

Marta Gomez Cantos de Agua Dulce (Chesky JD281)

Long known as one of Venezuela's top jazz vocalists, Maria Marquez tackles a program that radiates organic, folkloric qualities while boasting flourishes of elegant chamber jazz. Accompanied by an all-star cast that includes Cuban jazz pianist Omar Sosa and Puerto Rican percussionist John Santos, Marquez demonstrates her penchant for finely crafted improvisation, but within the framework of songs that are...