Resiste

This is the fourth solo album from New York-based, Ecuadorian-born Cecilia Villar Eljuri. The lyrics are predominantly Spanish on the seven sizzling tracks here. Eljuri's guitar chops are the star of the show and her playing has some of the incandescence of Carlos Santana's style. Three tracks were recorded at Harry J's studio in Jamaica, where she was backed by Jamaica's top rhythm section of Sly # Robbie, who also co-composed and produced.

Eljuri is a confident player and her globalised version of reggae is decidedly commercial. The title-track and single criticises those in power, while ‘Bangbang’ tackles the topic of gun violence around the world set to a jaunty two-tone style ska rhythm. ‘Una Ola’ (One Wave) is taken from her first album and comes here in its original format plus a dubby, club version remix. The three Sly # Robbie tracks are predictably rock solid rhythmically.