Various Artists
Candomes de Comparsas
Sondor (Uruguay) 1982
44. 225 (LP)
sleeve : VG+(SRW, WC, SPSE: 1cm light crack on spine, some wear on side and corner, wrinkle)
media : VG+/VG+(some light noise caused by slightly wear and hairlines)
A rediscovery of an obscure gem first unearthed during a trip through South America in 2012. Released in 1982, this compilation brings together artists from Montevideo’s Afro-Uruguayan comparsa tradition, the carnival music culture of Uruguay’s capital, with groups including Tanganika, Marabunta, Morenada, and Baraunda. The album covers a wide range of styles, from earthy candombe-based rhythm music to highly danceable tracks shaped by modern arrangements and elaborate chorus work. Particularly recommended are B2 by Tanganika, a crossover-oriented track that recalls fellow Uruguayans Rubén Rada and Hugo Fattoruso, and B3, featuring Carmen Abella’s wonderfully melancholic vocals, with a sensibility that also brings to mind Luciana and Mariana Ingold. A superb compilation throughout.
B2: Tanganika “La Tambora”
B3: Marabunta “Yamila”
B4: Baraunda “Donde Estan”