Hot Half Dozen 12.6.22

230 submissions this week and some really good music.

230 submissions this week

Si No Cantara, single by Marta Gómez and Nochi. Four minutes and 48 seconds of pure beauty in music. Marta Gomez’ voice has the innocence of a little girl and the modulation of an opera singer. When combined with indigenous xylophone and drums and electronics, it carries you away. Simply  nothing like it. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.

Aware of the Illusion of Reality, video series by Rodrigo and Gabriela. Two of Mexico’s most talented and famous guitarists have produced a nine  video series of stunning visuals and unmatched music. Ranging from flamenco to boleros to blues to just plain breathtaking. The pair  (who were but are no longer a couple)  have toured  internationally, performed at The White House,  won a Grammy Award  and worked with Hans Zimmer on film scores, among other accomplishments.  Video series on YouTube. The series premieres Dec. 7 on their YouTube channel.

Alborata, album by Alea. the Colombian born/Bronx based deep-voiced singer songwriter offers ten diverse tracks that break the traditional Latin music mold by blending  Latin folklore inspired by cumbia, porro, currulao and huapango with pop, afro and Latin grooves that are smoothly and romantically delivered with a voice at once seductive and powerful. Stream on Spotify. Video on YouTube. https://www.alealeamusic.com/.  Spanish

 

Cucu, single by GOTOPO. The first released from her forthcoming EP  ‘Sacúdete’. The Afro-Venezuelan (Eleanor Gotopo Reyes) sings this anthem for female empowerment. In the song, presumably in the EP when its released, she mixes indigenous instrument and drums with electronic sizzle and contemporary lyrics.  Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.

After All, album by Toby Lightman. A luminous work from a singer/songwriter who seamlessly combines grace and urgency, capturing hearts and ears along the way. The album ranges from soaring anthems, to love songs, to melancholy simplicity – and every one of them a stand-alone wonder. Stream on all platforms.

Daddy’s Kissing Santa Claus,  video and single by Havanna Winter. From the 16-year old who brought us Hollywood Forever, her new  Daddy’s Kissing Santa Claus is  billed as a Christmas classic. We will see, about the classic part, but  it is a pointed and humorous  take on the usual Christmas carol. The video with ugly Christmas sweaters and a chaotic family starring Havanna and  Marsha Molinari as the neurotic perfectionist Mom is silly,  fun and makes a point. On major platforms and TikTok.