NOW THE DEAD WILL DANCE THE MAMBO

This collection could also be titled "An Evening with Martin Espada," as the performance is as engaging as a live performance in a cozy coffeehouse. Most of the poems were recorded in a studio, but some are from recordings made with a live audience. Espada's intimate performance of his works, his voice warm and rich, is an incredible tour of places and politics. He is a stirring and soothing poet, smoothing and shaping painful themes of racism with humor and honesty. Espada is often cited as the heir or spirit of Pablo Neruda, and this recording is satisfying proof. The CD liner notes are important prefaces to the context or motivation for each poem and contain even more of Espada's joy for expression. R.F. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]