Daniel De Vita, Netto Rockfeller, JM Carrasco - Third World Guitars (2017)

Blues is enjoyed all around the world, and every country has its own flavor. One of the spiciest varieties is Latin American blues, showcased by Daniel De Vita, Netto Rockefeller and JM Carrasco on their avant-garde album Third World Guitars. Combining zesty guitar and heavily-accented vocals with the traditional rhythms of the blues, it’s a commendable effort. There are no tunes suitable for salsa lessons or piñata parties, but perfect for a long night at a Tex-Mex bar. Almost all of them are covers (ten out of fourteen), but even those are catchy and energizing. The only unnecessary track is Mick Jones’ “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – not because this trio’s version is muy mal (very bad), but because that particular song is overdone. Another flaw is that the lyrics to several songs are inaccessible if one doesn’t know Spanish, but here’s a workaround: Dance and enjoy the mood. Knock back a tequila shot or two, or a mockarita if you’re under 21. Joining the three amigos mentioned above are Diego García Montiveros on upright bass and Gabriel Cabiaglia on drums.

Third World Guitars is a collaboration that aims to achieve something unprecedented with blues in Latin America: unify the scenes of Chile, Argentina and Brazil in the hands of exponents of the guitar from each country. TWG is an album that contains classic blues from the ‘50s, the band’s own compositions, soul and funk from the ‘60s, covers that respect the tradition, as well as songs of bands not associated with Afro-American music patterned to the rhythm of swing. Netto Rockefeller hails from Brazil, Daniel De Vita from Argentina and Jose “JM” Carrasco from Chile. The ensemble plans a tour presentation of this project during 2018 that will take them through all three home countries of the three lead band members.

The album’s closer is a firecracker that will make blues lovers go, “Ay-yi-yi!” around the world.

Track 14: “Sudacas Swing” – An original instrumental with an easygoing rhythm and a splash of hot sauce, track fourteen is tailor-made for a spin on the dance floor with one’s partner. In cases like this, musicians have to be careful not to monopolize the conversation, either ‘talking over’ each other or being overpowering. Remarkably, the five play in perfect balance, complementing one another in a harmonious, savory selection.

Take a jaunt to South America with Third World Guitars, and learn of that continent’s blues! ~by Rainey Wetnight