Putumayo’s compilation of Latin-influenced flamenco music harks directly to the Gipsy Kings’ breed of rumba gitana (or rumba flamenco). In other words, this is not for flamenco purists. There’s a wide range of material here, from the pop strains of Javier Ruibal’s “Isla Mujeres,” to the opening “Rankankín” by Maíta Vende Cá, inspired by Tito Puente’s “Ran Kan Kan.” Flamenco gives in to a more African-based, Latin jazz fusion in Wafir’s “Lel,” although the most interesting mixes can be found in “Ojos de Brujo” by Vacileo and Ziroq’s “Qué Pena.” There’s also some fluff here, but it never ceases to be entertaining.—LC
