Encanto

Brazilian music legend Sergio Mendes spins his remarkable magic on his newest recording, a bona fide classic! This is a kaleidoscopic album that underscores the maestro's ear for addictive melodies, as well as his ability to cast incredibly talented singers and musicians from all over the world
Customer Review: a review for Brasil '66 fans
It's been around 40 years since Mendes reached an artistic and commercial peak with several classic albums that successfully mixed bossa nova, jazz, and pop music. Those albums still sound fresh today, thanks to the terrific songs, latin rhythms and some sparkling arrangements. Since then, Mendes has experimented with mixing his Brazilian sound with folk rock, funk, dance music, hip hop, and on "Encanto," some r&b. As someone who prefers the work he did with Brasil '66 to anything more recent, to my ears the album is pleasant though generally forgettable with the exception of a few wonderful tracks. Unsurprisingly the best tracks are those with strong melodies by Antonio Carlos Jobim, in particular "Somewhere in the Hills" and "Dreamer," both of which are direct descendants of the sound of Brasil '66. "Dreamer" includes both Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, who sounds remarkably like she did when she was fronting Brasil '66. This is a genuinely stunning track and easily the best on the album. Natalie Cole sings "Somewhere in the Hills" which is appropriately jazzy and is one of Jobim's strongest melodies. Other Jobim tracks include "Waters of March" which Mendes has covered several times in the past. It's a singer's song, and sounds a little rhythmically stiff here, as it has in his previous efforts. "Morning in Rio" is also good, with a more Brazilian styled melody and a nice trombone solo. The rest of the CD is listenable, but not such that I ever want to hear most of it again. "The Look of Love" is an unnecessary remake of a good song. What made the original great was a sensational big band arrangement which has been dropped in favor of a hip hop arrangement. I liked the Brazilian styled funk of "Odo-ya" and the mellow "Catavento" with Mendes' wife on lead vocals. On the other hand, "Funky Bahia" and "Lugar Comum," the latter of which features an Italian rapper doing a little snippet of "Volare," are disposable pop/hip hop songs. If I could get into Mendes' head, I would try to convince him do an album of Jobim and Marcos Valle songs with Herb Alpert and Lani Hall and a small jazz/bossa combo. It might not sell a million copies, but it would be an artistic triumph. If you're an unreconstructed fan of Brasil '66 as I am, I can recommend this with reservations. You might be better off just downloading a handful of tracks. But "Dreamer" should not be missed.
Customer Review: Summery and enchanting.
"Encanto" follows the highly acclaimed 2006 collaboration with will.i.am Timeless and with this latest release, Sergio takes us even deeper into Brazil, having recorded all the basic tracks in Rio and Bahia and finally finishing up in in California, where the studio band included Alphonso Johnson. For "Encanto" (in Spanish for Enchantment), Mendes has also enlisted the formidable and enchantingly diverse talents of an array of guest musicians who hail from the world over. Latin superstar Juanes from Colombia and multi-talented Carlinhos Brown & Vanessa da Mata from Brazil jostle alongside the foremost Japanese pop group Dreams Come True, Belgium's Zap Mama and Italian rapper Jovanotti. This international cast is completed by the American stars Fergie, Siedah Garrett and Herb Alpert who is accompanied by his wife, original Brasil '66 singer, Lani Hall. Old smoothie Mendes gets jiggy on a selection of bossa-favourites with a raft of guest stars including the ubiquitous Will.i.am and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas, Natalie Cole and Herb Alpert et all... This new album essentially is a cross between Mendes' soft, salsa-tinged melodies and modern day R'n'B. The opening track, "The Look of Love" with rap/vocals by Fergie, is a deliciously moreish funky-fusion, and for the first third or so, the combination of Sergio's Rhodes with the hip-hopped production style is terrific. Perhaps this new version of Burt Bacharach's "The Look Of Love", which Mendes had originally transposed to bossa nova heaven in 1967 is the boldest track on "Encanto". This new interpretation, produced by Black Eyed Peas will.i.am, preserves the alluring melody of the original while bringing the song into the new millennium with crisp drum programming and a sexy rap by Fergie. Then it goes all smooth jazz on you. Not bad, though. Whether you are a Sergio Mendes fan especially the earlier stuff, Brasil 66, Equinox, etc or a Black Eyed Peas fan, or indeed R&B then there's something on this album to please everyone. I'd say for such a challenging album there are only a couple of songs that are just to heavy hip hop for me. The rest is a joy to listen to, if you are open minded about remixes and love to see what Sergio has been up to. This album is a grower. The more I listen to it, the better it gets. You will like it. Picks of the album: "The Look of Love", "Waters Of March", "Dreamer", and "Somewhere In The Hills (O Morro Nao Tem Vez)". Equinox Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Greatest Hits The Very Best of Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66

Gharana essentially means a school of thought, or a school of music, that follows a particular style perfected over the years by rigorous practice and enhanced by coming generations that combine contemporary styles and incorporate new ideas. Gharana literally means family tradition, members of a family of musicians establishing their own unique musical discipline consistently over three or more generations. It is difficult to give an exact date when this system came into being. Ithawa gharana has evolved over seven generations of some of the finest sitar players of India. Shujaat Khan is seventh in this unbroken chain of sitar virtuosi from Ithawa gharana and is considered to be the torch bearer for the future of this school of music. With Shujaat Khan in concert today, it would be appropriate to bring forth some of the hidden facts about the history and evolution of this style of music.

Ithawa gharana in its present form owes its existence, its popularity and its distinctive style of sitar playing to Shujaat Khans father, the legendary musician Ustad Vilayat Khan. But for him, the gayaki ang or vocal style in instrumental music, which is the hall mark of this gharana, would neither have existed nor would have flourished. To talk about Ithawa gharana of recent years is to talk about Vilayat Khan and his early period of musical training, his original thoughts about bringing gayaki in instrumental playing, his improvisations and changes made to the structure of sitar to accommodate the continuity of sound or to imitate vocals in sitar playing. It is believed that only after Vilayat Khans tantalizing performance that won the hearts of the listeners, critics and musicians alike, at the 1943 Vikram Samaroh music conference in Bombay, instrumental music earned a wider acceptance in the main stream classical music.

Born in 1928 in Gauripur, East Bengal, Vilayat Khan entered the world of music at an early age of four and gave his first performance when he was eight. He also made his first recording at the same age. Vilayat Khan hails from an impressive family of musicians. His great grand father Ustad Sahabdat Khan gave todays surbahar, the bass version of the sitar and a very difficult instrument to master, its present tonal and structural form. At the early age of ten Vilayat Khan lost his first guru, his father Ustad Inayat Khan, a leading instrumentalist of his days. Thereafter he moved with his mother to the state of Nahan near Delhi to learn music from his maternal grand father Ustad Bande Hasan Khan, who was the court musician of the state. During 40s and 50s there still was Inayat Khans influence in Vilayat Khans playing. Tantrakari was still very prominent. The right hand which is considered as the main subject of instrumental playing for string instruments was still distintly dominant. Tantrakari had been taken to great heights by earlier generations but now was the time to give new direction to instrumental music. It is believed that human voice is the sublime epitome of expression and all other sounds are subordinates used only for enhancing and ornamenting the vocal music. In his quest to achieve vocal continuity in the sound of sitar, Vilayat Khan introduced the gayaki ang in instrumental music during the early 60s.

Khayal ras, a vocal music style with imaginative use of lyrics, began to emerge in instrumental music with Vilayat Khans introspective vision and vivid imagination. The tone of sitar was now changed. The right hand remained at its place but there were significant advancements in the left hand. The pancham of kharaj was now replaced with a steel gandhar (this change helps in establishing the mood of the raag). Several other fundamental changes were also made to the structure of sitar.

There were various subjects involved in khayal ras which required ample improvisations in order to translate it in instrumental music. At first Alap, the slow but contemplative progression of a raag, was given a different approach adorned with meend, krintan and zamzama. Next were taans and bol taans, the fast tempo phrases, and thumri. The transition towards khayal ras is quite evident in Vilayat Khans recordings from 60s onwards.

Gayaki ang is now successfully passed on to Ithawa gharanas next generation of musicians. Today there are many musicians who prefer and follow this style of music. Thanks to his creative genius for this enormous contribution to the world of music. It would be righteous to refer to Ithawa gharana as Vilayatkhani gharana.

Shilpa Rao is a professional Indian Classical Music artist. Learn basics of Indian Classical Music system at http://www.articlestonurture.com/classical/music.html/3

dance dance music video

God Put a Smile Upon Your Face

Asian exclusive 8 track EP.
Customer Review: A Great Investment!!!
Don't let the price of this cd turn you away because you'll regret it. I'm a huge fan of Coldplay's earlier music, and this cd is mostly like music off of Parachutes. I had heard that this version of "Yellow" was excellent and I completely agree. "Crest of Waves", "Murder", and "Animals" isn't their best music, but definitely worth having. The videos of "Clocks" and "In My Place" are the music videos that you would normally see on tv. Unfortunately it's an 'enhanced cd' so you have to watch the videos on your computer. The video quality is on the poor side when you enlarge it also.
Customer Review: Almost Perfect
Alright...this is a really great CD. The a-list track, "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face," is really a gem and should be on every CD in the world. The first b-list track, "Crest of Waves," is pretty good, it has a kind of beachy feel to it. The second b-list track, "Animals," is by far my favorite Coldplay song EVER...you MUST HAVE IT. The third b-list track, "Murder," is very good, but a bit spooky. The live tracks on the disk, however, are nothing to write home about. Although, the enhanced portion of the CD is EXCELLENT, with the videos for "Clocks" and "In My Place." Then enhanced portion alone is worth the cost of the CD, and is a must have for any true Coldplay fan. Thanks!

What is the best source to download songs for your iPod? You might be asking this question again and again, wondering how people manage to fill up their little but powerful players with thousands of songs so easily. After all, not everyone can afford to buy expensive downloads from iTunes.

You might have tried transferring your favorite songs from CDs to your iPod. However, its capacity still allows tons of good music, and you don't want it to be wasted - after all, it is not what you got your wonderful gadget for.

So, where can you download songs for your iPod online, avoiding disadvantageous per-download fees, yet getting good quality? If your eyes are set on file sharing networks - better drop the idea right away. Yes, they are free, but this is their only advantage which is not worth all the drawbacks and risks you get in return.

Luckily, there are many more options coming up these days. Some inexpensive yet reputed and well-stocked sites are there to let you download songs for your iPod at the lowest fee around. Usually, they are based on a long-term subscription (one-year or even a lifetime), which allows saving a hefty amount in the long run. Other advantages are present, too:

1. You don't feel the burden of law infringement. You know that each download you do is legal and you are not going to land up in a big trouble thanks to your passion for good music.

2. You get to enjoy the quality you deserve along with the vast selection of music (and often many other media for iPod). In other words, you can find and download practically anything you may ever fancy.

3. To download songs for your iPod as easy and fast as at any of those expensive sites claiming to be superior in everything. So, you don't have to compromise on the quality of services while paying less.

4. You are treated as a valued customer - excellent technical support and all the necessary tutorials are provided at any time. The site will also provide you with all software and applications you need to download songs for your iPod - and that is completely free of cost!

So, use your iPod to the fullest and stop worrying about the size of your wallet! Take a few minutes to visit my blog and get to know more about how you can download songs for your iPod on a tight budget within minutes.

Discover how you can download iPod music instantly for less than a dime each. Also, read another of his popular article on iPod music downloads.

irish dance music

Coldplay: Look at the Stars

Author and musician Phil O'Brien explores the ascension of one of the most popular and acclaimed new rock bands. She tells the story of their rocky rise, looks at the effect of fame on the band, especially on lead singer Chris Martin, and delves into the complex emotions of their music. It's all here — Martin's relationship with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, the endless gossip, the extraordinary commercial highs (their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head, was the number-one album in 12 countries within a week of release), and the emotional lows of life on the road. Coldplay describes all of the band's activities to date and contains over 40 black and white photos, offering a timely appraisal of its future — rock superstardom on a par with that of long-running internationally renowned bands such as Oasis and U2.

Customer Review: Coldplay rocks!
I borrowed this book from a friend and I'm buying my own copy after reading about what is the complex group of individuals known as Coldplay. I was very perturbed at the few mentions of how much Chris Martin was teased as a kid because people believed he was gay (so what if it was the case, which it isn't?) and how critics continue to put down the most original group that has graced music in about a decade. I'm also a bit tired of hearing the wisecracks about Martin's looks (I think the man is cute and very charming, along with the rest of Coldplay). The first Coldplay song I heard on the radio was "Clocks" (from "A Rush of Blood to the Head") and I, at first, thought it was a new U2 single (not realizing, until I read this book, that Coldplay idolizes U2). I was hooked from then on. I recently sat down and listened to the entire "X&Y" album again and appreciate their songwriting and vocal abilities more than ever. The group is a welcomed breath of fresh air in this day and age of corporate "music" (undertalented and overexposed starlets doubling as singers, rappers rapping over drum machines calling women every derogatory name in the book and videos being nothing more than glorified porno film shorts). Phil O'Brien exposed Coldplay for what they really are: A complex group of individuals who value their art and their talent is appreciated (screw the naysayers!).
Customer Review: I wish I could give it even more stars
I'm a little old for a Coldplay fan (53), but I "discovered" them when I watched them play at Live8 in July 2005. Chris Martin is far from "boring" as this book attests. He's interesting, smart, funny, complex, deep and - yes - a nice guy who can get in touch with his feelings and express them beautifully in his wonderful songs. I was already a fan of Chris' wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, and was glad to see that the book dealt with the relationship. It made me dislike the "STALKerazzi" even more. Vultures! The book really told me a lot that I was dying to know about the band, especially their charismatic frontman. I highly recommend it.

Music makes the world go round and people would lead monotonous lives were it not for this great gift. Music does not need to be dissected and comprehended to be appreciated. It simply carries people off in rhythm and melody to a land where the imagination rules and the laws of this world are no longer applicable.

Music can be enjoyed in many forms. Some people choose to sing, others choose to play an instrument, and yet others bring all other forms of music together to entertain a crowd. The last category is at times, referred to as disc jockeys or DJs for short and their job is perhaps the toughest of the lot. Not only do they require a deep understanding of music and its various forms, but they also need to be aware of the popular demand. A DJ's job is highly technical. There is a large variety of sensitive electronic equipment that DJs must learn to handle efficiently if they are to be successful. These machines are generally very expensive and new models come out every day so what was state-of-the-art yesterday becomes quite redundant in a week's time. DJs have to be savvy about the latest offerings on the market and know the best prices for all these products.

Basic single turntables for beginners start at about $100 and with increase in professional level, quality and size, the price can go up to a thousand dollars. CD players are generally more expensive although they are available at every electronic store. The average price can range between $200 and $2000 depending upon output and features. Mixers again vary in quality and utility. Professional that cater to a large crowds need advanced models which can cost as much as $2500 whereas amateurs just getting their feet wet can make do with cheap ones worth about $100. Accessories such as lighting, fog machine, and studio equipment are necessary only when people wish to stick to DJing as a life-long profession. Even then, such investment should be made only when people are certain of their positions in the music industry. If all this seems too expensive, people could start off with computer programs and downloads and work their way up to professional equipment.

DJ Equipment provides detailed information on Buy DJ Equipment, Cheap DJ Equipment, Discount DJ Equipment, DJ Equipment and more. DJ Equipment is affiliated with Virtual DJs.

90's dance music

Art Poster Print - Coldplay Bw Group - Artist: Unknown - Poster Size: 36.00 X 24.00 inches

High quality art poster. DirectForSale sells over 300,000 different art posters.Browse our store and shop for all your Art posters with DirectForSale. This Coldplay Bw Group Poster is made with High Quality Poster paper and is made for years of enjoyment. Primary poster color= Dark Gray** Secondary poster color= Light Gray

Have you been looking for a place to get cheap Mp3 music downloads? You may have stumbled across a website called Mp3 Suite that claims to allow users unlimited downloads. Is there really such a great thing like unlimited music downloads? Being a huge music fan, I had to find out the truth about acquiring music online and also to find out what people thought of Mp3 Suite.

1. What Are The Best Ways To Acquire Music Files Today?

The 3 main ways would be to buy music CDs, buy songs and albums separately for their individual costs, or to join a one time payment fee membership site that offers unlimited downloads. I personally prefer the last 2 methods over buying music CDs, and I will explain my reasons below.

2. Lost Your Mp3 Files?

If you lose your music CD, you would have lost the songs inside them forever. However, if you were to buy them from online stores or to download from membership sites, you would be able to recover them because the stores would hold records of your purchases.

3. What Are The Other Advantages Of Acquiring Mp3 Online?

Online music is much cheaper to acquire. I personally use a membership site now (called Mp3suite) to download all my songs for no extra costs. Due to the physical nature of music CDs, they would cost more than digitally downloaded files.

Online music is also much easier and convenient to buy and store. Instead of having to go to a physical store and having to deal with CD covers and cases, you can now immediately download them over the internet and store them digitally, using up no additional physical space in your home.

Is the Mp3 Suite a scam site? Visit http://www.top-review.org/mp3-suite.htm to learn more about Mp3 Suite, or Click Here to see Mp3 Suite!

latin music video

Sweet Nothings

TRACK LISTING 1. Yesterday's Tomorrow2. Old & Gray3. Love Vigilantes4. Am I Dreaming?5. Just A Game6. Angels7. Under The Blue8. Sick And Tired9. The Bird Song10. Five Minutes To Midnight

Music for LONDON- Cuban Bands, Cuban Musicians and Salsa Dancers for ...
London's Professional Cuban Bands and Muscians for hire for private events ... Music for London - Cuban Bands in London for events in the UK and Worldwide ...
http://www.musicforlondon.co.uk/cuban_band.htm

Latin Music Tube
This site features all the Soul and Rythmn and Blues videos from the You ... Although salsa is a Cuban -based musical form (and a commercial form as well), it ...
http://www.latinmusictube.com/

home
... Bongos Cuban Caf has hosted such events as the Billboard Music Awards after ... await their turn to experience the ultimate in Latin music and atmosphere. ...
http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/miami/home.html

Miscellaneous Latin Music ...
Latin Music on Wilson & Alroy's Record Reviews, which contains reviews of about ... if you're not already immersed in Cuban music , this set may seem to lack variety. ...
http://www.infoclub.com.np/entertain/music/gallery/reviews/oddlatin.html

Cuban Music Made in Japan Takes On the World - International Herald Tribune
In the Japan of the 1980s, "internationalization" was an unofficial buzzword even though "most of the time it didn't ... the biggest Latin club in London ...
http://www.iht.com/articles/1999/05/20/grupo.2.t.php?page=1

Sonic Reality R.A.W. Style Pak - Latin : Afro- cuban Grooves
The sonic reality R.A.W. style pak - Latin : afro- cuban grooves puts Samba, Mambo, Songo, salsa styles and more at your command! Visit Sweetwater.com for expert ...
http://rdre1.yahoo.com/click?u=http://www.rkdms.com/redirect%3Fc%3D13927188%26en%3D6%26cl%3D28%26u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sweetwater.com%252Fstore%252Fdetail%252FRAWpakLAG%252F&y=041FEB0263E077C8FF&i=487&c=14001&q=02%5ESSHPM%5BL7%7Cj%7D~q%3Fs~kvq%3Frjlv%7C6&e=utf-8&r=406&d=wownrm-en-us&n=049KK1IIO644HIL6&s=4&t=&m=48892A4E&x=051B0BBC85ED7D206D0E95B5754A72654D

Music in Latin America - LANIC
... State University, FSU. Glossary of Latin Music Terms ... Cuban Rumba Music . Folk Cuba. Liuba Mara Hevia. Music AfroCubaWeb. Msica La Bijirita, SoyCubano ...
http://lanic.utexas.edu/la/region/music/

JazzArts - Links & Reviews
Cach plays latin music for dancers, and has established themselves as the group ... music is a perfect blend of African-rooted Latin music (Colombian Cumbia, Cuban ...
http://www.mareya.com/ja_links.html

e.Peak (9/1/2006) features: Salsa 101: Intro to Latin Music dance
Although salsa music today is not exclusively Cuban , we should not forget to ... The 1950s marked one of the most creative periods for jazz and Latin music . ...
http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/2006-1/issue1/fe-salsa.html

Music of Latin America
... to supplement his workshops on music in Latin America in the era of ... of Afro- Cuban music , Salsa, Latin -jazz, Merengue, Nueva Trova and World Music . ...
http://webhost.bridgew.edu/jhayesboh/musica/index.htm

dance music cd

LP RhythMix 7" Tambourine on Handle, with Note Name Cut-Outs

A hand shot up out of the audience and waved emphatically, attempting to catch the celebritys attention. The spotlit fiddler peered out into the darkness and candidly asked, Do I know you? Am I related to you?

The whole room burst into laughter and I felt like I was right there with Natalie MacMaster in her kitchen enjoying a homespun ceilidh, (pronounced "kay-lee") Celtic dance.

This kitchen had a world-famous celebrity, a top-notch symphony orchestra and over 450 paying guests at $40 each, but thats beside the point. It was still Natalies kitchen.

She went on to tune her violin patiently, though hundreds of eyes watched anxiously. Perhaps she sensed the urgency when she joked that her tuning was, Close enough for Celtic, and the room chuckled again. Then this sweet, down-to-earth gal from Cape Breton Island picked up her fiddle and the kitchen went up in flames! There wasnt a foot within earshot that could resist tapping to her phenomenal playing and dancing.

Earshot, but not eyeshot. Unfortunately, most of the audience could only see the virtuoso from the waist-up due to the level seating arrangement of the hall. Natalies legendary clicks and clacks of tap shoes on the hollow stage stirred me to leave my seat and watch the entire concert from the side aisle. Soon after standing, I ran back to my aisle to fetch my young violin students, who were too short to catch the fancy footwork from their seats.

In true Celtic tradition, our quiet observation from the sidelines grew into louder foot stomping, which rapidly escalated into energetic circle dancing and jigs. Natalies own dancing featured high kicks, quick spins and rhythmic tap dancing. As the show progressed, her traditional Scottish step dancing morphed into groovy modern hip-hop and disco moves, including the notorious and difficult Moonwalk!

Much to my surprise and delight, the music also went through a breathtaking metamorphosis. The concert started with traditional Celtic melodies played by the silky string sections of the symphony. Next was a Cape Breton fiddle tune in A major, what Natalie called the Canadian key.

After such traditional pieces, we learned that she was more multifaceted than imaginable. From a Latin mix to the gorgeous jazz ballad, Autumn Leaves, we were all captivated by her versatility.

Concertmaster of the Okanagan Symphony, Denis Letourneau, was as mesmerized as the audience was! The classical virtuoso beamed from ear to ear and repeatedly shook his head in awe and admiration of Natalies fiddling fireworks. Then he contributed to the pyrotechnics when he joined Natalie for a musical goulash where fiddling met violining. Their duet blended the popular fiddle tune Devils Dream with the intricate Bach Violin Partida in E!

Denis, we have an expression back in Cape Breton, said Natalie afterwards, When we really dig in, we say we were driving er. Now you can go home and say last night you were really driving er! Denis blushed. Natalie smiled. We all felt two worlds converge and it felt wonderful.

As our cultures blend, I think well be seeing a lot more Traditional fusion in music. Diverse forms of music, polar as they may seem now, will soon merge and create new genres that people of all ages and walks of life can appreciate. Put a symphony orchestra, a fiddler, a funk band and a bagpiper playing on stage at the same time and everyone from Grandma to the teenager with the spiked hair will approve.

There will be growing pains, naturally. As in Natalies concert, there will be an obvious polarity in the audience in deciding proper concert protocol. Some people at the concert didn't know whether get up and dance in the aisles, or to be content in sitting in quiet appreciation. Like any pioneers, well find a middle ground that works for everyone. Heck, a friend of mine once created seated dancing in such an awkward situation.

Natalies charm and talent, coupled with her obvious love of music, were enough to inspire me and several other violinists present to explore new avenues of expression and technique. I couldn't wait to get home to try some of the things she showed us so flawlessly that night.

Natalie provided further inspiration when she agreed to sign fiddles my students had brought with them. Then she stood, weary and tired, but smiling enthusiastically for group photographs with me and my fiddle students.

My students, young and old, talked about Natalie's concert for weeks and have found a role model who will guide them into wonderful new directions.

Thank you, Natalie. You are one amazing Canadian pioneer and we love you for it!

**Rhiannon Schmitt (nee Nachbaur) is a professional violinist and music teacher who has enjoyed creative writing for years.

She currently writes columns for two Canadian publications and has been featured in Australia's "Music Teacher Magazine." Writing allows her to teach people that the world of music is as fun as you spin it to be!

Rhiannon, age 29, has worn the hats of businesswoman, performer, events promoter, classical music radio host and school orchestra music arranger in rural British Columbia, Canada.

Her business, Fiddleheads Violin School & Shop, has won several distinguished young entrepreneur business awards for her commitment to excellence. Her shop offers beginner to professional level instruments, accessories and supplies for very reasonable prices: Visit http://www.fiddleheads.ca

Rhiannon is also Founding President of the Shuswap Violin Society which promotes violin & fiddle music and helps young musicians in need: http://www.violinsociety.ca

latin music lyrics

In My Place

The First Single from their Second Album 'a Rush of Blood to the Head', Produced by Ken Nelson. Chris Martin Admits to Listening Intently to the Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen, Even Striking Up a Friendship with Ian Mccullough, So Expect Some Influence to Pervade. Features Two Non-album Tracks.

Dance has been an important part of rituals, celebrations and entertainment since before the birth of human civilisation. In the beginning, before we had written language to record things, the purpose of dance was often to tell stories and to pass them down to future generations.

The story of dancing in Cuba

In Cuba, as in ancient times, dance tells its own story. The passion and energy of Cuban dance reveals the strength and conviction of the Cuban people, determined to enjoy life despite 'la lucha' (the struggle) of living in a strictly regulated country where the average monthly wage comes in at around 400 pesos - less than 10.

The richness of Cuban music and dancing also tells the story of Cuba's melting pot of cultures. From the high-stepping flamenco brought by the Spanish settlers in the 15th century to the frenzied tribal dances of the West African slaves, dancing is in the blood of the Cuban people.

From the teenage girl in denim shorts to the cigar-seller on the street corner, Cubans are given to break into spontaneous dance steps. Furthermore, the people dancing on the streets of Havana are likely to be just as good as the professionals, because in Cuba dancing is simply a way of life.

The variety of Cuban dances

Cuba boasts a huge range of dances including classical ballet, contemporary, flamenco and folk dancing. But it is the partnered routines that appeared in Havana dancehalls between the 1920s and the 1950s - Salsa, rumba, mambo and cha-cha-cha - that can be seen in every Cuban bar, club and street. Of these, Salsa is the most popular dance internationally.

Since the name 'Salsa' (it's Spanish for 'sauce') was coined, Salsa dancing has exploded in popularity in Latin America and across the world. Salsa dancing classes are now hugely popular but to really get into the swing of it a Salsa holiday in Cuba itself is a must.

Tips for Cuban Salsa dancing

If you do take yourself on a Cuban holiday, you'll have the unique experience of watching Cubans Salsa dancing. It sometimes appears that by some genetic aberration they have been born with super flexible joints, defying physics to carry out all the complex manoeuvres they have integrated into the dancing. Their remarkable twisting body movements and natural sense of rhythm will dazzle you.

If you have the right technique, Cuban Salsa is easier to learn than many other forms of dance. The basic footwork is a fairly simple walking motion, pausing every fourth beat, and there are some six basic steps you can follow to make sure you're on the right tracks.

1 Relax

To dance Cuban Salsa well it is important not to rush, but to relax into the steps. Movements should be precise and deliberate in addition to being flowing and smooth.

2 Walk with purpose

Salsa dancing involves a continual circular motion. Couples walk around each other with an imaginary axis between them. This makes turns look smooth and effortless. Walking gives time to untangle your arms after each turn.

3 Have confidence in your lead

The leader (usually the man) should have constant tension in his arms, while his hands guide his Salsa dancing partner around the floor. There is no need to clamp onto each other's hands, only to use the right amount of tension to provide a leading signal.

4 Be flexible when following

In order to follow well, ladies should try to match the tension of their partner. The exception to this is when arms need to be relaxed and flexible to complete arm-twisting Salsa moves without injury!

5 Keep balanced when you spin

The key to all the spectacular spins in Salsa is not to lose your balance. One way to do it is by spotting while you spin - focussing on one spot at each turn - an age-old dance technique.

6 Use your body

In Salsa dancing, ladies should make use of their body and be sensual, playful and creative. This can involve some creative arm movements, going with what feels right and basically showing off a bit. Enjoy!

Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can offer Cuban Salsa holidays to Havana as well as expert advice on holidays to Varadero and Cayo Coco and lesser known resorts such as Jibacoa and Trinidad.

latin music video