Start the party with Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha and a mojito in hand. Cuba and Colombia figure heavily in the album, full of perky horns and hip-tickling drum beats. Fans of the classics will thrill to “Mambo #5” and “Cereza Rosa.” “Mambo #5,” originally composed in 1949, is performed this time by Colombian band leader Ernesto “Fruko” Estrada—a bit different from Lou Bega’s monster hit version. Angel Melendez and The 911 Mambo Orchestra take on “Cereza Rosa,” which was a number one pop hit in 1955. The track exudes every ounce of the original’s 1950s kitsch and swagger. “Esperanza” by Salsa Celtica is unusual, blending traditional Scottish music with Latin rhythms. Other fusion tracks include “E.L.S.” by the Internationals, a Belgian group that blends ska, Afrobeat and Latin grooves, and “Pa’ Mantener Tradicion” from Tres Muchachos & Companeros, a band that recalls the Cold War with its alliance of Russian and Cuban influences.

As the sun goes down, turn up the party’s sultry swing with Bossa Nova Around the World. This musical style is all about smooth, and the album is international easy listening. On “Esperanca de Mar Azul,” Nancy Vieira and Tito Paris bring the flavor of Cape Verde, a TravelTracks favorite. Amanda Martinez’s voice on “Hasta Que Pueda” is rich and mature and pairs perfectly with the track’s  languid strings. Serbian trumpter Dusko Goykovich brings joy and foot-tapping rhythm to “Menina Moca,” while Stacey Kent and Jim Tomlinson perform the classic “So Nice,” a tune that even music novices will likely recognize. Several tracks are sung in French, the romantic language a natural fit with bossa nova’s slinky sound; one of the loveliest of these is Tom & Joy’s “Meditation.” Among the more unusual languages used on the album: German (“Melancholisch Schon” from 2raumwohnung), Norwegian (“Vakker Natt (Corvocado)” by Hilde Hefte), and Korean (“Railroad” by Monla).

Stay hydrated while listening to these hot disks, and enjoy the rest of summer!

If you liked the All Stars’ Rise & Shine album, you’ll definitely want to check out DJ Logic’s funky remixes. This collection turns up the free-spirited vibe of the original album, perfect for boppin’ along to on a summer day. Download a free sample track here, and purchase the whole MP3 album here. Happy listening!

TravelTracks recently caught NKG’s show at Sloppy Joe’s, a Key West landmark that’s famous for having been Ernest Hemingway’s haunt. The house was bumpin’ when we walked in, partying to that classic club track “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The band’s repertoire is varied to say the least—everything from Beastie Boys and Lady Gaga to Journey and Flo-Rida. Each song prompted a head wear change from the front man—from a blond foam wig to moose antlers. The last song of the night clearly called for a bunny suit, and the front man didn’t disappoint. Look for the Girls to hit up a venue near you or get a little taste of them here.