The Original Sound of Cumbia

The History of Colombian Cumbia & Porro as told by the phonograph 1948-79 Soundway*****

The loping bass, insistent maracas and scrapers, and that wheezy accordion dancing in and out of the groove; this is the emblematic sound of Colombia. Will “Quantic” Holland unearthed a treasure trove of vinyl and shellac, which, together with his authoritative sleeve-notes, provides a definitive history of the genre. From afro-percussive rumbles to funky accordion, and from jazzy flutes and clarinets to mesmeric rock-steady brass bands, this is exuberant earthy dance music, firmly rooted in its multi-ethnic folk heritage. Fifty five tracks is a lot of cumbia, but, delving in, the variety of styles becomes ever more fascinating. The Soundway label is a byword for quality World archive collections, and this is a gem. See soundway records.com

Download tracks: Judith, La Cachona, Pescadores del Mar