Kiko Villamizar

Kiko Villamizar

Local Latin DJ clique Peligrosa introduced its label last month with Kiko Villamizar's La Remolacha. The Miami native grew up in the Andes, absorbing not just traditional Colombian roots, but also a genuine affection for world sounds and a knack for piecing them together. Thundering percussion tangles in Villamizar's wispy Andean flute (kuisi) on opener "Para Quererte a Tí," but it's not until "Por Qué" that the singer displays the true firepower of his deep, dexterous vocals. His passion for jazz, returning him to Florida from South America to pursue, bursts from the sleek horns infusing "Como Ella." The title track serves as anchor, its lavish horn arrangements pushing the singer to the point of breathless gritos. "San Antonio," with conjunto queen and accordionist Susan Torres, marks the Texas leg of Villamizar's musical journey, and their playful "Para Bailar" re-asserts – despite his political and social proclivities – its titular goal. Closing on a bilingual doo-wop, Villamizar pens a note "For All of My Relations," fusing borders, language, and genre.