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CD Reviews by Marinko Jareb / Ibrahim Ferrer and Ruben Gonzalez
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Pulse Niagara (online), CD Reviews by Marinko Jareb / Ibrahim Ferrer and Ruben Gonzalez >>
Ibrahim Ferrer – Ay, Candela – Escondida Music
(www.escondidamusic.com)
Since the release of Blue Note’s Buena Vista Social Club and the subsequent film, Cuban music has gone through a renaissance and people all over are now listening to the unique sounds from this Caribbean nation. Cuban music is an interesting mix of styles: African rhythms to move the body, Spanish formality and grandeur, and it’s a popular music of the people who sing and dance to uplift their souls. Ibrahim Ferrer captures the spirit of the island and although he’s in his late 70’s, his eyes light up when he says, “I am living the dream I had as a young man, although my body is old.” A natural tenor with a silky voice, Ferrer has been called the Nat King Cole of Cuba, and his tone is compared to the flavour of Cuban rum, so he’s got some bite as well. “Ay, Candela” is a collection of Ferrer’s best and most notable work since he began recording in the late 50’s, all re-mastered to sound as crisp as if you were sitting in a Havana dancehall just steps away from the band. This music is light and cheerful like a Caribbean breeze, warm enough to make you dance and forget all your worries. (5/5 stars)
Review by Marinko Jareb aka DJ Machine
Ruben Gonzalez – Momentos – Escondida Music (www.escondidamusic.com)
For such a small country, Cuban music sure has a grand sound and Ruben Gonzalez is one of the giants of the island nations many legendary musicians. A university dropout, Gonzalez decided to pursue music rather than medicine. With a career that spans 70 years, Gonzalez is recognized as one of the best pianists in the world, with a flair for improvisation and virtuosity. A fan of Chopin and Oscar Peterson, Gonzalez’s heart was still very much Cuban; he translated jazz standards like “So In Love” into boleros, with a unique accent that only he could speak. Ruben Gonzalez mastered all the styles of music from his home land, from bolero and son to danzon, cha-cha-cha and latin jazz; together with Arsenio Rodriguez, Ruben was the first to introduce piano into a son ensemble back in the 1940’s. “Momentos” is a tasty collection of popular instrumental classics from the concert halls and bars of Havana, selected by prominent musicologists, historians and journalists to best define the legend that is Ruben Gonzalez. (4/5 stars)
Review by Marinko Jareb aka DJ Machine
12/07/05 >> go there
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