Riccardo Crespo, Milonga of New Orleans (Independent)

As daunting as it may be to be an American and try to decipher this latest piece of international music full of words and phrases you’re too lazy and proud to find the meanings for, Riccardo Crespo’s Milonga of New Orleans is well worth the hassle. Crespo’s third solo album mixes Brazilian folk with sultry musica Latina for the world to enjoy. Milonga of New Orleans swings and sways through the salsa themed block-party beats, Crespo cannot and will not forget about his faithful harmonica that dances merrily along the chorus’ melody lines of almost every song. He mixes sex appeal and sorrow as the sensual electric guitar plays shyly over the acoustic guitar, all while his smooth harmonies tell a fairytale of sorts about love (“Ronda”) and his devotion to his adopted city, New Orleans (the title cut).