The band Just Play is a collection of women with vocalists Araceli Poma, Rosa Guzman, Charo Goyoneche, Sofia Buitron, Maricarmen Padill, Milagro Guerrero and Victoria Villalobos. They are backed by the scintillating team of percussionists Catalina Robles with Gisella Giurfa, violinist Maria Elena Pacheco and harmonica master on loan from the Flecktones, Howard Levey, as well as pianist Gil Goldstein. Joining together with guitars Coco Vega, Neal Alger, Ernesto Hermoza, drummer Yayo Serka, pianist Misha Tsiganov and bassist Matt Geraghty, the ladies mix passionate folk sounds with modern messages.
Levey’s harp sways well with the rich voices on pieces like the sleek “Tumba y Cajon” and the lurking “Zamba Malato.” A choir of voices join in on a Weather Reportish “Tinkalamina” that sizzle with cajon and bass, while the acoustic guitars chime with cheerfulness on “Quebranto.” Traditional sounds are pretty for Es Amador” and lush passion lilts to “Santa Libertad.” You can feel the crisp air of the Andes on this one.