Customer Reviews

Bach In Havana

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Tiempo Libre scores a big goal in my book with their latest album, "Bach in Havana." "Bach in Havana" features Tiempo Libre's expertise at adapting themselves and their musical style to just about any form of music; and I'm extremely impressed. What an album this is! It's far from being just classical music and it's not just Tiempo Libre--Tiempo Libre has pulls off the seemingly impossible feat of actually merging the two genres of music seamlessly; and the result is one heck of a CD! The quality of the sound on this album is excellent and I really like that artwork, too.

Whether I'm listening to "Tu Conga Bach" or a fine rendition of "Air on a G String;" I just never cease to be amazed, to say the least. I can't believe how creative they were to achieve this great an album--it's a treat for their fans. As always, Tiempo Libre plays their music spot on; they never skip a beat and the music reflects careful forethought and a level of professional craftsmanship that I rarely hear or enjoy from current artists these days.

Highlights of this album would have to include "Fuga (Cha-cha-chá) (Based on Sonata in D Minor, BWV 964, II. Fuga-Allegro)" which gets a most animated treatment; that piano is so elegant! The brass works wonders for this number, too. "Air on a G String (Bolero) (Based on Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air on a G String)" stuns me with its beauty; this is a major highlight of this album and they deliver this with a smooth jazz sound that is perfect for kicking back and relaxing after a long, hard day at work with a glass of your favorite wine. Now THIS is perfection!

I also like the lively and engaging "Clave in C Minor (Guaguancó) (Based on Prelude No. 2 in C minor, BWV 847);" the piano work is sublime and mixed with the brass this number doesn't lack a thing--this is all that good. "Minuet in G" gets the royal treatment from these talented artists; and that's grand. There's yet another gem in "Baqueteo con Bajo (Danzón);" I really like the way this sounds--this is very high quality control music.

"Timbach (Timba) (Inspired by the D Major Prelude, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1)" is very well done; and the album ends strong with Tiempo Libre performing "Kyrie (Batá) (Inspired by Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: I. Kyrie)." This sensitive arrangement leaves me wanting more!

After you hear this CD for the first time, don't be surprised if you find yourself hitting the "play" button on your CD player over and over again. Tiempo Libre came out with a flawless album that is a real treat for their fans; and people who enjoy true creativity with appreciate the music on this album.

Bach's chord walks are so rich and monumental that jazz musicians the world over have been tempted at some point to build on them. The difficulty lies in how to seamlessly blend and balance the classical and jazz forms. Too little improvisation results in a merely rearranged Bach piece. Too much improvisation overwhelms his beautiful and sometimes delicate structures. As such, there are many "just right" pieces in this CD, especially on the keyboard side. There are also a few misses, both in the too little and too much categories.

All in all, this is a infectiously fun and deeply satisfying CD.

There is good stuff to listen to in this album, however after a few listens I got a little bored of it. I really loved their 2 previously Grammy nominated albums, but this Baroque meets 21st century Cuba didn't quite hit home.

I know a lot of people are raving about how great it is, and certainly it is good. But it is more music for listening only as oppossed to the norm with Cuban music, which tends to be very danceable. The percussion is still playing a lot of Cuban rhythms, but the Piano does Bach instead of Guajeos and Montunos.

So if you are more into Jazz or Classical music this might be a good fit.

Bach's music has been adapted to many musical genres: Swingle Singers, Japanese koto, Moog synthesizer, plus countless others, with diverse results. Baroque music itself has a rapid beat, which lends itself easily to Cuban tempos. Tiempo Libre does a stunning job of incorporating Bach's music into their pulsating music, sometimes exploring Bach's motifs with their own variations. What becomes clear on this album is their deep appreciation of Bach's genius, and their joy at performing it. Altogether a fully enjoyable compilation.

Listening to this choice blend of Cuban jazz and J.S. Bach is like savoring a great cup of coffee. I can hear the joy of every note.

I'm listening to Bach in Havana as I type. This is my favorite Tiempo Libre CD. The arrangements and performances are first rate. The music touches my heart and soul. I'm filled with joy.

Pure musical fun for the Latin, Jazz or Classical music lover. And for those who are particular with how Bach is to be enjoyed... Sit down enjoy and relax, if possible. Fiesta with dancing may result.

Who says the classics are stodgy? This CD proves that Bach is ageless! This is the perfect music for a lawn party.

I saw Tiempo Libre this summer at Tanglewood when I attended the James Galway Concert for his 70th birthday. Couldn't believe how great this group was and decided then I wanted their CD. Well worth it!

I discovered this group and this disk when I heard an interview on public radio. I didn't think twice--just rushed to Amazon and bought it. I love it! The idea behind it is unique, and the rearrangements of classical pieces with a Latin beat are ingenious. This group is just dynamic. I encourage anyone with a love of Latin music--even if Classical isn't in their usual musical repertoire--to check this one out. It's fabulous!