Big Al Downing Downing,Big Al Vol. 2-Rockin' Down The Farm CD - Import

'Thirty years later Papo is still drawing his inspiration from the mean streets. The Mighty MF's (track 1) makes for a great example. The tune is dedicated to an African-American street gang that ruled the streets of North Philly. Much like the gang, the music comes at you from every angle. It's raw, ferocious and in your face!Over the years Papo has built his career on fusing Afro-Caribbean rhythms with Bomba: Yuba; Sica; Hoyo de Mula; Aguinaldo and Plena with progressive melodic and harmonic elements. 'From the Badlands' raises the bar in more ways than one. Yuba'donbe celebrates the enduring connection between Puerto Rico and Africa (via the Congo),The Enemy Within, Si Seňor Bob and Bomba En El Monte showcase the band's ability to fuse Bomba, jazz and other tasty elements to create a musical 'sancocho,' Lina's Waltz is a gorgeous ballad that highlights the band's soft side, El Macanaso (featuring vocalist Herman Olivera) spins the story of a routine traffic stop that goes awry, Donde Esta Juan is a heartfelt 'homenaje' dedicated to the late Puerto Rican trumpet player, 'Juancito' Torres (1936-2003). Perhaps the most thought provoking tune is Los Mediocres. Among other things, the tune addresses such weighty issues as man's inhumanity to man and the pitfalls of deluding yourself into thinking that less is more. This is fresh, original music that will get you riled up, make you want to shake the booty, cry and rejoice.