Jennifer is the state's ABE Distance Learning Project Manager 617-287-4081 jennifer.rafferty @ umb.edu

Good Recent Read: Astor Piazzolla: A Memoir by Natalio Gorin An enjoyable memoir about the life and work of the world-famous Argentine composer and bandoneon player who brought great innovation to tango music. A must read for anyone wanting to understand better the "New Tango Movement " of the Twentieth century. He initiated this movement. Learn more about Tango, check out this New England based Tango web site Good Recent Listen: Latin Male: Jimmy Bosch El Avion de la Salsa, 2004 An exquisite combination of hard salsa rhythms, finely crafted lyrics, and musical talents. This is a true grassroots salsa experience with all compositions, arrangements, and a record label created by Bosch himself. Bosch's latest album brings together a grouping of musical talents that can beat no other: Alfredo de la Fe, Yomo Toro, and the 2005 Grammy winning musician's from the Spanish Harlem Orquestra are some of the invited guests that make this record well worth the listen. He has also set the stage for a fabulous new vocalist from Ecuador, Ray Bayona. And what to say of the lyrics? Name me one musician of today's Salsa scene who lyrical content is both emotionally and socially captivating? Read my CD review in Spanish under "Discos" Latin Female: Lila Downs La Sandunga, 1997 Downs has since released three albums, but this one from 1997 is my all-time favorite. I had the great fortune of seeing her perform in Providence, Rhode Island in 2004 where she featured songs off her newest album, One Blood. Her rendition of "Paloma Negra" in concert and on "One Blood" will turn you into a "ranchera" enthusiast in no time. I highly respect this musician's eclectic range of musical interpretations including indigenous Mexican songs, jazz, and Cuban rhythms. Good Recent See: Talk to Her, Pedro Almodovar, 2002 A beautifully composed soundtrack adorns this story of the lives of four individuals who paths cross in a hospital in Madrid, Spain. Caetano Veloso gives a beautiful performance of "Cucurucu Paloma" in what is actually Pedro Almodovar's suburban home outside Madrid. Watch the DVD with the Director's commentary in Spanish. Lots of neat details are revealed. Link to Movie site Learn more about Almodovar here