Putumayo has gone through many transitions. It started as a handicraft shop in Manhattan that grew into a popular clothing line (it was even featured in a “Seinfeld” episode), to then become a record label known worldwide for their regional and genre-themed compilations. But Putumayo’s popularity didn’t only grow in record stores. Various retail stores included Putumayo’s CDs at their point of purchase displays, generating millions of sales from curious shoppers before going through checkout. Putumayo’s success over the years has happened through physical means, but recently, a transition to digital seemed inevitable as retailers of all kinds have been hit by the recession.
One of their first digital releases is “Latin Beat”, album in which electronic beats, hip-hop flavors, DJ remixes and cutting-edge grooves are fused effortlessly with Colombian cumbia, Cuban son, Mexican banda, Spanish flamenco, Afro-Peruvian roots music and more The label has curated an album full of Latin essence in an effort to introduce these rhythms and beats to a worldwide audience.
You can listen to the compilation here: http://putumayo.bandcamp.com/album/latin-beat
And you can buy it through iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/putumayo-presents-latin-beat/id454717309
One of the songs featured on the compilation: Jontre’s “Locuraleza” from Colombia!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4FgffjXvHg[/youtube]