![]() Perla BatallaCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Pop with a Latin flavour and traditional Mexican influences Status:Most recent release, Love Bigger (c. 2015) See also:Perla Batalla's site Comparisons:Paula Cole Covers/own material:Co-writes material General comments:I saw Perla Batalla live a long long time ago, doing backing vocals for Leonard Cohen, way back when he was on tour in Europe in 1988 (the I'm Your Man tour). At the time I was not only impressed by her powerful voice but also by her stage presence and looks.... :-) (there is a picture of her on that tour in the Leonard Cohen files). Recommended first album:Mestiza Recordings:
Perla BatallaRelease info:1994—Warner/Discovery—1046-77011-2 Availability:See Perla Batalla's web site for availability Produced by:Perla Batalla and Leanne Ungar Comments:"Seems so long ago Nancy" written and composed by Leonard Cohen. MestizaRelease info:1999—Mechuda Music—02987 00662 Availability:See Perla Batalla's web site for availability Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Perla Batalla—vocals Guest artists:David Batteau—vocals, guitar Produced by:Perla Batalla and David Batteau Comments:I quite like this album. A bit too smooth/lush/pop-y in places, but Perla does have a warm, clear and strong voice and some songs are very beautiful. Though I can't help thinking of Paula Cole at times (especially the way she sings "When the Man and the Woman say 'Come' / When the Spirit and the Bride say 'Come' / When the rhythm of the nights say 'Come to me' / Yeah" in the song "Morning Star", which would not be out of place on Paula Cole's album Harbinger). Most songs are in English, some are Spanish or a combination (with translations in the booklet). There are some very intense, sparse songs, with a beautiful classical Spanish guitar and evocative lyrics, in which Perla's voice shines, like the opening/closing song "Scarlet Thread" or the highlight of the album for me, "Iberia". Those songs almost have a Madredeus like quality and make the album already worthwhile for me. Other songs are more powerful and strong, like "Camino a Santiago", and there are some lush soft pop songs that stay on the right side of lushness. And some songs are too smooth, too much produced, too sweet, so they lose the emotional impact of the lyrics, which is a pity. But overall I find Mestiza a very enjoyable album to listen to. (Marion) Bird on the Wire: The Songs of Leonard CohenRelease info:2005—Mechuda Music Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Perla Batalla Guest artists:Vinnie Colaiuta—drums (2-5, 9) Produced by:Perla Batalla Comments:This album took me a while to get into, but I'm glad I gave it a chance, because once it clicked it's definitely worth listening to. It's not a record for every mood. Not quite melancholy, but there's something deep and pensive, a bit mysterious, perhaps even slightly disturbing about it. I really like the way she sings in Spanish on "Dance Me to the End of Love" and infuses several songs with Latin (Mexican?) sounds. We Three KingsRelease info:2008—Mechuda—08 8450 10744 8 3 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Comments:This is a really beautiful album. Songs in Spanish and English, unusual arrangements, and a few non-holiday tracks make it one of the more original holiday albums out there and a good option for year-round listening. (JoAnn Whetsell) Further info:Songs on compilations include: Thanks to Marion Kippers amd JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
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