VA - Putumayo Presents: Espana (2009)

Putumayo World Music's release Espana is a CD collection featuring a captivating mix of songs by contemporary artists from across Spain, showcasing the country's diverse yet accessible music styles. The modern music of Spain is a fascinating blend of old and new, reflecting centuries of tradition, diverse regional cultures and international influences.
Espana spotlights a broad cross-section of music, from Spain's best-known genre, flamenco, to Barcelona's mestizo (mixed) movement, which incorporates fusions of pop, rock, jazz, reggae, rumba, flamenco and more. Espana also features the work of renowned photographer Peter Adams and a recipe by famed Basque chef Eva Arguinano.

Barcelona, in the northeastern province of Catalonia, possesses a thriving mestizo music scene represented on the collection by hip fusionists Calima, Gertrudis and Gossos (with superstar Dani Macaco guesting) and legendary rumba flamenco pioneer Peret. Valencia-based band Burguitos blends rumba, pop and world music flavors with humorous and satirical lyrics. Galician singer Uxia demonstrates her region's enchanting Portuguese-influenced music. Folk revivalists Biella Nuei bring exposure to the roots of Aragonese traditions, while Basque poet and singer Xabier Lete writes and records moving songs in the unique Basque language. Madrid's El Combolinga combines reggae, rock, Afro-Cuban music, jazz, ska, and African grooves.

Although Spanish music is often featured on Putumayo's collections and one of its 12 international offices is located in Barcelona, Espana marks Putumayo's first CD focused exclusively on the music of Spain.

A portion of Putumayo's proceeds will be donated to Intermon Oxfam, the Spanish branch of Oxfam International, which supports the empowerment of fair trade artisans and farmers worldwide.