Daylight was fading in Tulum’s main square as the stage lights came up. Locals and visitors alike filtered in to the mellow sounds of the Araya Orta Latin Jazz Quartet, kicking off the first concert of the 2010 Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. The Miami-based quartet is made up of two sets of brothers–Ramses and Carlomagno Araya, and Michael […]
Jazz
Nuttin’ But Stringz
Another week and another hot duo has caught TravelTracks’ ear: Nuttin’ But Stringz. Brothers Damien and Tourie Escobar aren’t your typical violin virtuosos–these two bring hip hop, jazz, and r&b into the mix, producing addictive rhythms. Think of the group Bond, but with a harder edge, and you’ll get the idea. The pair studied at […]
In the Mood
Set the mood for your Valentine with Putumayo‘s Jazz Around the World. Each track is mellow and sensuous, but the variety of languages and instruments makes each unique. Chantal Chamberland performs a captivating French version of “Beyond the Sea (La Mer).” Kad’s “J’aime Mon Lit” is downright sexy–it’s just the right combination of breathy vocals […]