Another gem from Putumayo

"A Mediterranean Odyssey" was the second Putumayo CD I bought - the first was "Africa" - and this one's another great compilation. Generally the grooves here are not the harder drum grooves featured on "Africa" - they are lighter, folkier grooves, but they're just as inviting, conjuring up visions and sounds of the Mediterranean - guitar, accordion and high-pitched ethnic percussion are prominently featured instruments throughout. Again, there is not a single bad track here - each song has its own unique charms. Tracks 5, 6, and 7, by Barrio Chino, Lo' Jo and Novalia respectively, are my favorites and form the groove centerpiece of the CD - these three are all really beautiful and imaginative musical outings. They are sandwiched in between two lovely quieter songs sung by Spain's Maria Salgado and Italy's Lucilla Galeazzi, both of whom possess stunning voices, particularly Galeazzi. Miguel Gil's opening track is irresistibly danceable, and the songs by Spain's Luis Delgado and Sardinia's Calic show an intriguing Arabic influence. The last three tracks, all by Greek artists, are also superb. You can't go wrong with this CD - it will transport you!

By far the BEST Putumayo CD!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot begin to describe how wonderful this CD is. Don't be fooled by the word Mediterranean: this CD does not remain in one style the entire time. When you listen to this CD, you are taken on a musical journey from Spain to France to Italy to Greece. "Que Son" is a great song with it's upbeat, fast tempo, and "Bebiendo Al Alba" is an insturmental masterpiece fusing Arabic styles with Spanish. For a little slower pace, try "Solo Por Miedo" and "Sogna Fiore Mio", both outstanding compositions that are sung beautifully. "Miazis Me Fotia" is a nice, melodic piece that can be compared to Enya. But by far the best song on this entire CD would HAVE to be "Saudade" by Barrio Chino. The song begins with a chant to the city of Massilia, then a xylophone comes in and slowly a rhythm full of Arabic and Spanish influences comes in. The melody is great, the beat is great, this entire song is great. If you don't believe me, hear it for yourself with the sound clip. This CD has the best music of al the Putumayo CDs, but it doesn't seem to get that much recognition. So it is sort of a hidden treasure waiting to be found. Go on, buy this CD, and open up the world of exotic Mediterranean music . . .

The title "A Meditarranean Odyssey" says it all!

If the Meditarranean Sea or any of its countries ever captured your imagiantion: you will love this CD. It contains many selections of top musical artists in countries which border on the Mediterranean. The whole CD has creative, talented musicians and singers who stretch their art to limits of traditional sounds - much of it is modern but the roots of tradition, be it ancient instruments, rhythms, or snatches of melodies, are true to the country of origin. My favorite is Greek: this CD is the first on which I heard George Dalaras and Glykeria, platinum and gold sellers in Greece. I would not select Italian, French, or Spanish music on my own but on this CD I love it!!! The blend of sounds from one track to the next builds into a crescendo of eversecence that must be heard to be appreciated. Truly a masterpiece - Putamayo knows how to do it right!