Quango Brazilified CD

Far too many attempts at ethno-techno fusion fall flat simply because the balance between the two genres -- the exotic traditional sounds of foreign cultures and the synthesized sounds of electronic music -- isn't quite right. But the latest compilation effort from Quango Records mastermind Bruno Guez perfectly straddles the line between the two, with 11 songs forming a seamless blend of the past and the present, the traditional and the experimental. There's not a bad track in the bunch, from the haunting flutes, bottomless bass, and percolating percussion of Butti49's opening "Brasilikum" to the Deee-lite-gone-Brazilian disco beats of Nova Frontiera's high-energy "Abra a Boca." Highlights include Friends From Rio's addictively danceable "Escravos Do Jo," with its insistent rhythms, catchy vocal hook, and surging strings; Jazzanova's "Fedime's Flight," with its intricately syncopated percussion, retro organs, and old-school vocals; and Easydelics' sizzling "Berimbau de Ossanha," with its Spanish-style guitar, scat-style vocals, and pounding house rhythm. Put it on at your next party and watch the energy level shoot through the roof. ~ Bret Love

Brazilified-where Brazilian rhythms collide with club culture. A summer samba house party conceived and compiled by Bruno Buez featuring favorites from Jazzanova, Da Lata, Truby Trio and Mr Gone as well as never before released on CD tracks from Aresnal, Esydelics, Nova Fronteira, Swell Session and Friends From Rio.