Mariana Montalvo -- Piel de Aceituna (World Village)

This Chilean diva scours the Americas for inspiration.  Montalvo borrows lyrics from transcendental poets like Gabriela Mistral and lends her luminous voice to a pan-Latin sound that includes hints of reggae and nueva cancion.  On “Encuentro,” she collaborates with Congolese singer Lokua Kanza. 

  -- Celia San Miguel