Air of Havana

Selma Reis | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 16, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 16, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Velas
• ASIN: B00004TCNW
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #641,527 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Ay Amor

2. Espuma y Arena

3. Dolor y Perdon

4. Convergencia

5. Libre de Pecado

6. No Puedo Ser Feliz

7. Mi Amor Fugaz

8. Para Vivir

9. Babalu

10. Oh Melancolia

11. Sembrado Para Ti

12. Drume Negrita

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's such a natural idea, it could start a whole new trend. With arrangements and accompaniment by Cuban jazz pianist Roberto Carcassés, Selma Reis interprets classic romantic boleros of Cuba through the heart and smoky voice of a Brazilian chanteuse. Reis and Carcassés toss out the lush excesses of the original versions of familiar songs by Beny Moré, Adolfo Guzmán, and others to create a quiet but no less emotionally charged space. Born in the small city of São Goncalo near Rio de Janeiro, Reis recorded her eponymous first album in 1987 after studying vocal techniques in Nantes, France. The Air of Havana dares an unexpected, smoldering rendition of the Miguelito Valdés-Desi Arnaz signature tune "Babalu," which comes off like a whispered invitation to a lover, while Silvio Rodriguez's "Oh, Melancolia" treats us to the ghost of a Judy Garland who circumvented the rainbow altogether. Carcassés's musical direction is as flawless as Reis's voice, and the ambiance carries the stamp of Havana's Egrem Studio, where the Buena Vista Social Club was recorded. --Bob Tarte

Product Description

New Album from Excellent Brazilian Singer Presenting Selection of Cuban Classics Written by Bola De Nieve, Pedro Luis Ferrer, Benny More, Pablo Milanes, Margarida Leucon and Others. Recorded in Havana.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As smooth, mellow and warm as good rum, August 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Air of Havana (Audio CD)

I got the record yesterday and fell in love with it rigth away. The arrengements by Mr.Carcasses are of exquisite taste. The uses of the instrumentation and the percussion are right on de dot (not too much, nor to little) to accentuate Ms. Reis deep and soulful voice. Any lover of Cuban, and specially romantic music will get a real gem with this record. I'm sure we will listen more of Ms. Reis in the years to come.