Various Artists - Lula Lounge Essential Tracks 1 / Various - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Until recently, the richness and vibrancy of Toronto's Latin scene was enjoyed almost exclusively by the city's dancers, musicians and world music fans. But as Lula Lounge celebrates it's tenth anniversary, local artists are ready to burst onto the international stage. Toronto's unique brand of multiculturalism combined with the immense experi- ence and the sheer talent of the musicians have contributed to the Toronto salsa scene evolving into one of the most electrifying and vital anywhere. Waves of immigration to Canada from the Caribbean and Latin America have brought corresponding swells in salsa music production. From the pioneers of the Toronto Latin music revolution Jane Bunnett, Luis Mario Ochoa and Hilario Duran, to artists such as Caché and Luisito Orbegoso, to today's most popular musical visionaries Telmary, Yani Borrell, Jorge Maza, Roberto Linares Brown and Latin Grammy-winner Alex Cuba (formerly of the Puentes Brothers), this CD brings together dancers' favourites with rare tracks to provide a snapshot of a city making musical history. Live music venue Lula Lounge and it's presenting partner Lula Music and Arts Centre is dedicated to supporting salsa and Latin jazz as well as Brazilian, African and all kinds of world music. A rarity in North America, with a decade-long history of presenting ten to twelve piece ensembles every week of the year, Lula Lounge has become salsa's home in Canada. Fostering new and established groups, Lula.