Brian Lopez‘ voice goes wherever it wants to on this wild exploration of psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory. Its  an unusual song topic, to say the least, but you never know where a song will come from, and like any good song, this one wins by its own rules. With a distinctive warble that he carries up and down his range, Tucson, Arizona native Lopez delivers it live on guitar and vocals, backed by a thoughtful and tight combo.  Romantic, mystical, and entirely unique.

Brian Lopez
“Maslow’s Hierarchy” (mp3)
from “Rojo – EP”
(Funzalo Records)

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The venerable Sly and Robbie, names long synonymous with “reggae rhythm section” in Jamaica and around the world, team up with Ecuadorian New York City guitarist/singer-songwriter Eljuri, and the results are magnificent. Blending various rock and latin styles in an organic fusion, this emerges as a record truly deserving of the sometimes dubious label, “World Music.” Effortless and accomplished, passionate yet cool, this album is a winner, and I can see it will def be getting more spins in my world as the seasons turn toward summer. Johnette Napolitano joins in on this single with her incendiary vocals to push it over the top.

Eljuri, Johnette Napolitano
“Jaula” (mp3)
from “En Paz”
(Lovecat Music)

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