Cumbia CumbiaWorld Circuit *****

Discos Fuentes, the Motown of Colombian music, was the propulsive force in the development of cumbia from the 1950s big band Golden Age right up to La Colegiala’s coffee ad ubiquity. World Circuit skimmed off the cream of this prolific output for two compilations, originally issued some 20 years ago and now repackaged as a splendid 2CD set. Not as eccentrically divergent as last year’s Quantic Soundway treasure trove, but nevertheless presenting the infectious 2/4 rhythm in a variety of guises, from the rural vallenato style to the small guitar combos of the 1960s and the salsa trombones of the ’70s. The many highlights include the undulating percussive shuffle and twisting accordions of Conjunto Tipico Vallenato, Pedro Laza’s evocative clarinet and rapid-fire word-play, and Lito Barrientos’ hard-swinging big band.

Download tracks: La Colegiala, Cumbia Sampuesina, Cumbia Del Monte