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!

Classic R&B is back and Putumayo is bringing a world perspective. Funk up your life a little with this eclectic and foot-tapping Rhythm and Blues collection. 

Three hot highlights:

James Hunter, ” ‘Til Your Fool Comes Home”

This Brit performs his original but classic-sounding material with gusto, both singing and playing guitar. A staple of the London club scene, Hunter has recorded with Van Morrison and Allen Toussaint.

The Quantic Soul Orchestra, “Who Knows”

This bluesy shuffle incorporates elements of Latin jazz and reggae, a hallmark of group founder Will Holland’s open approach to music. The CD features Panamanian vocalist Kabir, but click here for an equally entertaining version featuring Noelle Scaggs.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, “100 Days, 100 Nights”

Amy Winehouse fans will jump right on board with Ms. Jones’ bold vocals. This track is the CD’s best, and The Dap Kings are outstanding support for the gutsy frontwoman. Old school feel and old school look with a bit of new school twist. Check out the slick video here.

Looking for something to do on these hot summer nights? Make some sangria, and pop Putumayo’s recent release España into the CD player. Fans of the Gipsy Kings will love the infectious, hip-swiveling “Para Poder Olvidarla” from Peret, Barcelona’s so-called ‘King of Rumba.’ “Corren” from Gossos, a popular Catalonian rock band, is a sweet love song with an unexpected reggae-ish vibe—check out the video below. Another highlight is Uxia’s “Danza Ritual,” a playful and memorable track; take particular notice of the horns in the middle of the song. By far the most interesting (and much too short!) track on the album is the last—”Pasapeanas” from Biella Nuei. It’s rooted in the folk music of the Aragon region of northern Spain and includes both Celtic and Middle Eastern elements.