Gecko Turner - Guapapasea! (2006)

There's lots of flashy fun and eclectic elegance to be found on Guapapasea!, the first major stateside release from Gecko Turner. The Spanish performer and producer fronted a series of bands in his native country, and he brings that experience to this charming solo disc. Most likely to make noise are kitschy covers of tunes from Bob Dylan (a slinky Spanish version of "Subterranean Homesick Blues") and Bob Marley (a hip-swaying "Rainbow Country'), but Guapapasea! is much more than a tasteful novelty assortment. Turner incorporates bossa nova, jazz, funk grooves and electronic elements into his folk-centered fusion. The disc also features support from an impressive array of musicians, including Brazilian percussionist Ruben Dantas, saxophonist Javier Vercher and trumpet player Irapoam Freire. It's all tastefully done, but Turner saves the wow for the disc's final tracks. "Dizzie" is a luxurious homage to be-bop legend Dizzy Gillespie and features the rich vocals of Gene Garcia, lead singer of Inlavables. Album closer "45.000$ (Guapa Pasea)" is slyly joyous, its Afro-Cuban groove wrapped around a commentary on African immigrants who end up working as European prostitutes. -- Joey Guerra