Argentine singer's passion overcomes language barriers
Federico Aubele, "Panamericana" (Eighteenth Street Lounge)
Argentine singer-songwriter Aubele follows up his acclaimed debut, "Gran Hotel Buenos Aires," with another set of slinky exotica. With an even greater emphasis on organic sounds than the debut, "Panamericana" celebrates and integrates his influences which, like the Pan-American Highway, span the Americas from North to South.
Aubele's typical template is hushed and sensual, blending various Latin folk styles with downtempo hip-hop beats and the occasional touch of dub or reggae. Whereas he formulated "Hotel" as ethnic fusion electronica for fans of global dance kings Thievery Corporation (who happen to operate Federico's record label), this new disc gets its charm from the clicks of acoustic guitars, the hum of sweaty horns and come-hither bedroom vocals (in Spanish) by Aubele and guests.
Non-Spanish speakers who can't penetrate his romantic lyrics will get Aubele's point nonetheless. Besides, Natalia Clavier's world-weary hum on the tropical disco "La Orilla" or the "la la la" choir swaying throughout "Este Momento" ensure that even the wordless vocals leave a strong impression. With "Panamericana," Aubele delivers smooth, sultry late night listening that seduces despite any language barrier.
• Federico Aubele performs with DJ Resistol 5000 at 10 p.m. Saturday at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $12. (312) 559-1212.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, "100 Days, 100 Nights" (Daptone) ...
If you're prone to listening to the oldies station and observing, "they don't make them like that anymore," curtail your refrain. When the "they" is Brooklyn's Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, they certainly do still make them like that.
The group's third LP continues their expert evocation of classic soul and Motown sides. Clocking in at a mere 34 minutes that evokes the concise old days of record production as capably as its retro cover art does, "100 Days" sports an analog recording that makes its warm horn stings and groovy bass lines all the more authentic.
Veteran vocalist Jones' emotive voice can do sassy ("Nobody's Baby"), sexy ("Let Them Knock"), sad (Something's Changed") and spiritual ("Answer Me"). As for the Dap-Kings, they've worked with Rhymefest and Al Green as well as toured as Amy Winehouse's backing band. While they don't deliver many Winehouse-style pop hooks here, the band's even-keeled, funky modesty aids the impression that you're spinning an unjustly forgotten '60s soul record.
• Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings perform at 9 p.m. Thursday at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $18. (312) 559-1212.