Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca Ay Valeria!

Latin Beat Magazine, Sept, 2003 by Gilbert Rivera

(Mopiato Music)

Blending Latin and African flavors from salsa to soukous, with vocals interpreted in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala and Kikongo, barely begins to describe the music and multi-cultural cosmos of this unique band. Congo-born and Los Angeles-Latinized, Ricardo Lemvo continues to refine his unique sounds on his fourth recording, this time self-produced--with the collaboration of his long time partner in crime composer/arranger and multi-instrumentalist Jesús "El Niño" Pérez. Swinging clave-rooted rhythms and even a Dominican merengue interweave with Congolese and Afro-Portuguese compositions throughout this recording, showcasing the diverse world of Makina Loca. Reinforcing the already powerful LA ensemble for this recording are the talents of Congolese singers Josky Kiambukuta (Franco & TP OK Jazz), and Ballou Canta (Soukous Stars), plus Dominican Republic ace accordionist Joaquín Díaz and Latin percussionists José "Papo" Rodriguez, Kiko Osario, and Gregory Maya, among other outstanding musicians. In the traditional Makina Loca vibe, the highlights are Amame Mamá, the title track ¡Ay, Valeria! (recorded in two versions--Spanish and Portuguese), Tío Antonio, Samba Luku Samba, and Amor Matata (also featured with a second club remix version).