The unique flow of musical sounds takes its charge from a mix of sources, most especially our borderland traditions. Yet these joyful sounds can be mixed with the rhythm of sadness, often shaped by the tension created by border and immigration issues. Border Songs, a two-CD set, is a compilation featuring 31 performances in both English and Spanish from a variety of international styles including blues, corrido, cumbia, folk/Americana, hip hop, instrumental guitar, mambo, Nicaraguan new song, reggae, rock, and electronic music – all to benefit the Tucson-based humanitarian group, No More Deaths/ No Más Muertes. Since its release last October, Border Songs has raised over $30,000 for humanitarian aid, with each album sold able to provide 29 gallons of water. Renowned artists including Calexico and even folk music legend Pete Seeger have contributed to the compilation. According to the album’s co-producers Robert Neustadt and Chuck Cheesman, all artists donated their work in this potent collaboration, in which poetry mixes with fables, humor, dramatic readings and eclectic musical genres.
References:
- The album is available through the Border Songs CD Project web page, among other online sources: http://www.bordersongs.org.
- Visit Border Songs on Facebook to learn more about No More Deaths/ No Más Muertes: https://www.facebook.com/BorderSongsCdProject