A Night In…
As I reluctantly rolled the window blinds up and peered outside today, I couldn't help but notice the white stuff lying eerily still on the ground. I could see my breath as I pressed my nose against the window. "Please, say it isn't so?" I said to myself as I quickly rolled the blinds down opting for an out of sight, out of mind policy. I couldn't bring myself to look at that.
I then turned on the television only to be greeted by news that there had been numerous car accidents in Copenhagen after the fresh snow fall had created havoc and virtual ice rinks on the streets. I didn't want to watch that either. "Sluk!"- A Danish word which means to turn off.
Okay, so since I won't be heading to warmer climates anytime soon and am forced to face the seasonal weather head on, I decided I'd have to make the best of this. Forget the Christmas carols though; I'm not quite there yet. Instead, I thought I'd turn my attention to the music CD that I'd just received in the mail. It's called "A Night in....?" Where you may ask? A Night In..doors? Well, yes it could be if you are allergic to cold weather like myself.
Actually, it's a sampler of a series of music from Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico Columbia, Spain, Italy and France. The complete collection is brought to you by Discos 605 (a SonyMG U.S. Latin imprint) and Red Distribution.
Basically, it's a compilation of 10 music CDs, covering 10 countries that embodies the identity, atmosphere and lifestyle, or in other words encompasses the heart and the soul of each respective country. Each CD contains 15 songs, fine tuned by artists with authentic sounds and distinctive musical stylings from their respective corners of the earth.
I've visited some of these countries before and it's funny how these songs actually allowed me to relive fond, vacation memories again, to escape to another place and time. The music from Italy, for example takes me to a quaint, outdoor restaurant on the Italian Riviera, soaking up the festive atmosphere and enjoying delicious food.
I've never been to Brazil before though, but the song sample from that particular country entitled "Chega De Saudade" by Beth Carvalho conjured up images of golden beaches. I can almost smell the salt water as I splash about and can even feel the temperature rising. The warm sun is bouncing off of my almost, albino coloured skin and the sand is rubbing gently between my toes.
I especially enjoyed the Cuban song "Manteca" by Arturo Sandoval. Perhaps because of all of the trumpets and smooth saxophones, which with its big band feel reminded me of the party scene from the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's," (one of the best party scenes ever, in my mind, but that's not really the point.)
After hearing "El Rey", by Jose Alfredo Jimenez I had no doubt I was in Mexico, even though I've never been there either. Gosh darnit, I'm transported to a small Mexican town riding a donkey wearing a sombrero, eating tacos and tossing back tequilas.
So if you're in your chilly car, white knuckling it on the snow filled highway or even if you're looking for a Xmas gift that will deliver a "Calgon, take me away" moment while relaxing in the tub with the blindfolds on, then this CD might just be the ticket. It's a practical and inexpensive way to escape the winter blues without heading to the airport.
More titles and countries are slotted to accompany the 10-disc music series in 2009. In the meantime the cost of "A Night In..." is approximately $9.99 American Dollars per CD and comes shipped in bio-degradable packaging. To listen to some music samples for yourself or for more information on ordering etc. go to http://www.anightinmusic.com/
