The Soundways label always does a great job in finding the most obscure yet amazing tracks from all over the world. Some are so obscure that the residents of those countries have long forgotten about them. What makes the second volume of the Panama! series worth listening to is the history not only of the music, but the history of the country itself. The music that is featured on Vol. 1 & 2 comes from the Caribbean immigrants who migrated to Panama starting from the early 1900s to help build the Panama Canal. Along with the labor, the Caribbean immigrants brought over their music. Panama love for Afro-Cuban rhythms, Jazz and Calypso all are due in part to its immigrant culture. Also, during the '60s, many Black Panamanians were influenced by the Black Power movement from the U.S. and incorporated it in their music. Funk, Soul, Salsa and Rock mixed with Panama’s pop culture to create some amazing music. Panama! Vol. 2 captures a moment in time when Panama not only revisited its Caribbean roots but its African roots as well. Panama! 2 is chock full of big bands and small combos playing the funkiest of funk, the coolest of Cumbia, and hardest of Salsa. - David Gomez, Hollywood

Soundway’s latest release is reason enough to throw a grand scale BBQ, complete with delicious tropical drinks. Compiled by local musicologist and DJ Roberto Gyemant and label head Miles Cleret, this follow-up volume is, amazingly, even better than the first. – Vinnie Esparza, San Francisco