If you have a friend or loved one that's crazy about Latin music, then here's a list of musical gifts that is sure to please. Some of these suggestions are a little pricier than just a single CD - either collectors items, boxed sets or novelty items. But just think of the pleasure you'll get from giving something the recipient might not think to get for themselves.
1. The Essential Guide to Cuba
For the Cuban music lover in your midst, here's a 3 CD collection of Cuban son, bolero, salsa and jazz. The first CD focuses on the stars that emerged from the Buena Vista Club franchise; the second on the Cuban music icons that shaped what we hear today. CD #3 focuses on "Innovators and Traditionalists" like Los Van Van, Isaac Delgado, Chucho Valdez and more.
2. Vicente Fernandez - The Living Legend
For the many ranchera lovers out there, Vicente Fernandez is the king. This wonderful 3 CD set contains many of his most popular tunes from 4 decades of big-voiced serenades and includes a booklet describing his life and music.
3. Shakira - Oral Fixation Volumes 1 & 2 (Special Edition)
Colombian music has really been taking off and 2006 is the year of Colombia's Shakira. She's certainly earned all the accolades by releasing two dynammite CDs in the Fijacion Oral set. Vol. 1 is in Spanish, vol. 2 in English. This special edition set, containing both CDs, would make a great gift for any of the many Shakira fans.4. The Essential Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and introduced Latin music to much of the worldwide (non-Latin) audience. The Essential Gloria Estefan is a 2 CD set containing 37 hit singles and some of the most popular album tracks, from Miami Sound Machine days to the present.
5. Selena Live - The Last Concert
Selena Quintanilla was probably the first Latin music cross-over star before her tragic death in 1995. For fans of tejano music, Selena is still alive in their memory. Her final concert in Feb. 1995 was in Houston and is available both as a CD and DVD. A great way to celebrate and commemorate at the same time.
6. The Essential Guide to Salsa
For current and future salsa lovers, here's a great 3 CD boxed set with a wonderful selection of classic salsa, old and new. The first CD is called "Barrio Vibes" and features classics from greats like Celia Cruz, Joe Cuba and Tito Gomez. The next one, "Latin Giants" features, Tito Puente, Fruko Y Sus Tesos, Willie Rosario, etc. Finally, "Island Roots" heats up the room with La Sonora Matancera, Marvin Santiago, Joe Arroyo and more.
7. Maria Rita - Segundo
Brazilian music has many stars, but Maria Rita wowed the international music world with her debut album, winning the 2004 Latin Grammy for "Best MBP Album". This is her second offering and if you like smooth music sung in a jazzy vocal style, you'll love Segundo.
8. Ricky Martin MTV Unplugged
Ricky Martin's new MTV Unplugged album really delivers the goods and is a sure winner for all you Ricky Martin fans. The performance is available in both CD and DVD forms.
Ricky Martin MTV Unplugged DVD
9. Milly Quezada - MQ
After a 3 year wait, the 'Queen' of merengue, Milly Quezada, has released a sizzling new album that will have merengue lovers swinging their hips and trying to thank you at the same time.
10. Vocal Sampling - Cambio De Tiempo
There hasn't been an album by Vocal Sampling for awhile, but their albums are still available and definitely something different. The sextet sings not only the vocals parts, but vocally imitates all the instruments in the band as well. They do it so well that you'll need to listen over and over again to convince yourself some of these sounds are man made. And the songs are great, too.
