Laru Beya

The influence of the late Andy Palacio runs through these dozen songs and for Aurelio Martinez, a guitarist, singer-songwriter and traditional drummer, they continue his friend’s dedication to their shared Garifuna culture. Martinez’s recent mentorship with Youssou N'Dour in Dakar led to this fabulous new exploration of their West African ancestry. ‘Yurumei’ documents the horrific slave journeys to the Caribbean in a briskly stirring song which moves to choppy, Latin-infused rhythms from traditional barrel-drums and the sublimely melodic five guitarists (including the brilliant producer Ivan Duran). The gorgeous Garifuna women’s choruses infuse the songs, and both N'Dour’s voice and Orchestra Baobab’s languid, African-Cuban presence, tips them towards perfection. ‘Wamada’ (Our Mutual Friend) includes a spontaneous soul-stirring contribution from N'Dour (who also transforms ‘Lubara Wanwa’). His mentoring of Martinez in Dakar led to surprising collaborations and interchanges of languages, rhythms and instruments. Local rapper Sen Kumpé (on ‘Wéibayuwa’) brings Wolof drums, kora (harp-lute) and xalam (lute) into the mix, while the gorgeous ‘Laru Beya’ sees Baobab’s guitars mingle with the sounds of Martinez’s sparkling instrument behind Rudy Gomis and Balla Sidibé singing in Garifuna. ‘Ereba’ is the album’s dance– floor hit, followed closely by the paranda ‘Ineweyu’.

Martinez’s mother’s composition ‘Nuwaruguma’ (My Star), composed for a son lost at sea, is a poetic reverie of a song. A wonderful collection, it confirms Aurelio Martinez’s distinctive, personal style.