Latin chanteuse Amanda Martinez has a Mexican/South African heritage, a contemporary Canadian attitude, a beautiful voice, a genuine warmth...and a career that reflects all the above. She's one of the voices on Putumayo’s Bossa Nova Around the World, and she's toured with Juno award winner Jesse Cook from Dubai to New York City (as well as singing on his CD, Frontiers.)

When you meet Martinez  - or hear her live - you can't help notice her knack of connecting with people.  She seems to instantly grab audiences around the world no matter what the venue. Proof, if you need it: Martinez has performed to acclaim at the 2010 FIFA World Cup festivities in South Africa, the Montreal Jazz Festival and New York’s famed Blue Note club, among other hotspots.

Speaking of hotspots, Martinez came up with this playlist in the dead of Canadian winter, as an escape from cold temperatures and dreary grey skies. It's recommended listening at any time of year,  though. After all, who doesn't want to feel like they've just had (or even better, are having!) a great vacation.

 



 Rosana Arbelo, "Sin Miedo"

"I heard this artist when I was backpacking in Spain and she became an instant favorite of mine. This song describes how great life is when you live without fear, and love like a child!"

Cesaria Evora and Bernard Lavilliers, "Elle Chante"

"From an album of duets with the late great Cesaria Evora and amazing singers from around the world. This song with Bernard Laviliers brings me to  a café in Paris."

Sara Tavares, "Balance"

"The sweet voice of Sara Tavares from Cabo Verde is so pure and refreshing. Mixed with these catchy rhythms she plays on guitar it makes me want to dance and forget any troubles."

Rosaria Flores and Diego el Cigala, "Te Queiro Te Queiro"

"I found this duet with my two favorite artists from Spain. They are singing a song in tribute to the composer Nino Bravo. It brings tears to my eyes - but in a good way! It translates to "why I love you." Two voices that know how to cut to the soul." (Note: Grooveshark Playlist features Rosaria Flores solo, watch Rosaria Flores' duet with Deigo el Cigala on "Te Queiro Te Queiro" here.)

Grupo Mono Blanco, "Malhaya"

"This group from Veracruz, Mexico has introduced the world to Son Jarocho music and this song is my highlight from the album El Mundo Se Va Acabar: the combination of the Mexican harp and voices makes me feel I am at sea!"

Yasmin Levy, "Mi Korason"

"The unique voice of Yasmin Levy from Israel sings with such a raw passion. Here she collaborates with Javier Limon  from Spain."

Related Links:

Q&A with Yasmin Levy: A fight to preserve Ladino music (part 1)

Q&A with Yasmin Levy: It’s all about Sentir — or feeling (part 2)

posted by Li Robbins on Feb 15, 2012