Marco Werman and April Peavey discuss their favorite music selections for the summer.
Pop these discs in your car for a long road trip or turn up the volume on your MP3 player — here are our annual music selections.
Marco Werman's Summer Picks:
1. Pat Thomas and Kwashibu Area Band by Pat Thomas
2. From Kinshasa by Mbongwana Star
3. Lost and Found by Buena Vista Social Club
April Peavey's Summer Picks:
1. Healer by Alex Cuba
2. What Pan Did for Me by Rudy Smith
3. Amanecer by Bomba Estéreo
Pat Thomas and Kwashibu Area Band by Pat Thomas
A perfect introduction to the sounds of highlife, which is a little like Afrobeat, but a little mellower.
From Kinshasa by Mbongwana Star
This album has been in constant rotation in Marco's car and house. Last month he spoke to Mbongwana Star's producer, Irish-born Liam Farrell.
Lost and Found by Buena Vista Social Club
This is kind-of like the "Basement Tapes" of the Buena Vista Social Club. It's a mix of live concert recordings, some experiemental stuff and music left on the cutting room floor.
Healer by Alex Cuba
A very pleasing record that's light and breezy, and I mean that in a good way.
What Pan Did for Me by Rudy Smith
A greatest hits package highlighting Rudy Smith's 60+ year career. My favorite track is "Sugar Daddy" recorded in 1971 by Smith's then-band Modern Sound Quintet
Amanecer by Bomba Estéreo
An overall great album and the kind of music you'll want to hear at a beach party!