Al Chile (2019)

"Born in Oaxaca and raised there and in Minnesota, Downs has spent her career underscoring the differences between Latino and Anglo cultures, and celebrating them holistically through musical styles ranging from cumbias, mariachis, and rancheras to jazz, folk, hip-hop, and blues in a variety of languages including Mixtec, English, Spanish, and Zapotec, among others. Al Chile was recorded over a year in Mexico City, Brooklyn, Oaxaca, and on a farm in Juchitán de Zaragoza. Musically, it is simultaneously a logical extension of her ambitious vision, and a striking new direction. Produced by Camilo Lara (Mexican Institute of Sound) and mixed by Mario Caldato, Jr. (Beastie Boys), the record's sounds reach deeper into urban Latin pop without forsaking their folk roots. More than 180 musicians participated in these sessions including several regional orchestra like the 176-piece Banda Misteriosa de Oaxaca, a band devoted to rhythmic and harmonic invention." (Allmusic)