Here are the notable new releases for the last 2 weeks.
1. Omara Portuondo - 'Gracias'
World Village
Gracias is Cuban Omara Portuondo's 3rd solo album and filled with nostalgic, sentimental ballads that are some of her favorites. There are a few upbeat numbers, but mostly this icon of the Buena Vista Social Club has made a personal album that's beautifully produced and well-accompanied by a roster of great musicians.
2. Fanny Lu - 'Dos'
Colombia's Fanny Lu had a big hit on her hands with her debut album Lagrimas Calidas in 2006. With nominations at all the big Latin music events, the album's single "Y Si Te Digo" won her the Latin Billboard award for 'Tropical Airplay New Artist Song of the Year.' Dos is her sophmore album; can she repeat the critical and popular acclaim a second time?
3. Sin Bandera - 'Hasta Ahora En Vivo En El Auditorio Nacional' (DVD)
Mexican pop duo Sin Bandera had a big hit with 2007's Hasta Ahora. The DVD is of a live concert at Mexico City's National Auditorium and contains 24 of their favorite hits & videos.4. Belanova - 'Tour Fantasia Pop Live'
Belanova's Mexican-synth has gotten a thumbs-up from both critics and fans with their Fantasia Pop recording. Here's the live version from Belanova's world tour.5. Olga Tanon - 'Olga Fuego En Vivo Vol. 1'
Puerto Rico's merengue queen has toured the world as part of her Evolucion Tour and these 2 albums were recorded at different times during the tour. Vol. 1 features 8 tracks of Tanon singing some of her hits including a duet with Jenni Rivera and one with Tito El Bambino. Olga Fuego En Vivo Vol. 2: Compare Prices
6. 'Salsa: A Musical History'
Here's a perfect gift for the salsa lover on your list. Fania/Emusic has put together a 4-CD boxed set of remastered gems from their catalogue and packaged it with a 40 page glossy booklet describing those wonderful days of early salsa. With 58 tracks, you'll hear music from all the Fania greats including Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri and more.7. Arcangel - 'El Fenomeno'
For reggaeton and urban music fans, El Fenomeno presents Arcangel singing/rapping with Daddy Yankee, Wisin y Yandel, Don Omar and more.8. Baby Rasta & Gringo - 'The Comeback'
Here's another album by a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo, Baby Rasta & Gringo.9. Marcy Place - 'B101 From Marcy Place'
The Bronx seems to be a breeding ground for urban bachata and Marcy Place follows the familiar pattern of groups like Aventura and Xtreme.