Customer Reviews

Bridge to Havana

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

 

 

I don't get what the fuss is about...Bridge To Havana may have been an adventure for the gringo musicians that went to Cuba to record with Habanero studio musicians. And they might have even felt they were contributing to world peace by doing so. But musically, this CD has very little to do with Cuba. The Cuban and gringo musicians were randomly grouped with each other, with no thought at all given to which musicians would complement each other. The result is, as one would expect, a hodgepodge. For example, "Feelin Good" is Gladys at her soulful best, and the Latin percussion backdrop is tight and sabrosa. But the track sounds like a Cuban Son overdubbed onto a Motown R&B track, the two never coalescing into a whole. Another irritation: although Cuban greats like Omara Portuondo (Buena Vista Social Club) and Chucho Valdes were associated with the project, they are no where to be found on any of the tracks. It's as if the producers deliberately purged the disc of Cuban flavor, missing a huge opportunity. Nevertheless, the CD does have its moments, which is why I gave it a third star. "One World" features Mick Fleetwood (always original), and Paddy Maloney (The Chieftains) blowing some spectacular pipes, giving the tune a solemn, otherworldly quality. "Volvere" with Ruth Merry also deserves honorable mention. But these cuts have nothing whatever to do with Cuba. If you want to experience contemporary Cuban-fusion at its best, check out Oleg Tumanov's Rio Havana, or Sexto Sentido's Mi Feeling here on Amazon. - DJ Arnoldo

This Cd is smooth as silk, with some awesome tracks. I first listened to it while at a friends home. I had to have a copy of my own. It was a pleasant surprise to listen to artist (Montel Jordan) whom I would never associate with smooth jazz. A pleasant treat, indeed.

My favorite song on this cd is Gladys Knight's contribution, but when you are listening to good music, it doesn't matter that you don't understand what's being said. Want to take a trip to Havana, but don't have the money, time or desire to deal with the politics. This cd will be your Star Trek transporter device!!! Play it loud and dance through your house!!!

Gladys, beam me up!!!