Customer Reviews

Buena Vista: The Next Generation

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Bandleader Juan de Marcos brought together this jam session which features many of the descendants of the BVSC crew (and many of their golden age compatriots such as Felix Chappotin, whose son, Elpidio, toots the trumpet on several tunes). Also included are progeny and close relatives of Ruben Gonzales, Miguelito Cuni, Compay Segundo and others. A few old-timers also chime in, such as Pio Leyva and Generoso Jimenez; it's telling that some of the other Social Clubbers, such as veteran voclist Puntilla, whose son, Manuel Licea, sings on here, had already passed on by the time this album came out. I wouldn't go into album this expecting the melodic lyricism of the first few BVSC releases -- this is a much more hurried, percussion-heavy affair, a bit harsh by comparison, but it's certainly got plenty of solid musicianship throughout.

This album is simply magnificent! Every song is full of Cuban style verve and pizazz. If you love Cuban "son" then this is right up your alley, as it were. Los Herederos are a "conjunto" of several musicians (there's no telling how many)and they are all exceedingly fantastic, especially the female vocalists and the percussionists, not to mention the trumpeter. Oh, and the guy who plays "el tres" guitar is outstanding. I only wished I knew the names of these consummate musicians. Does anyone know their names? I surmise that some of the octogenarians that were a part of Buena Vista Social Club had something to do with this production. Who is playing the piano? Is it Fonseca, Valdez or Gonzalez? Have you ever heard one of these Cuban musicians play the piano? If you're unlucky enough to have missed the chance, then listen to the tune "Rompe Saraguey," and you'll begin to appreciate the depth and elegance of its verbose locutions. I have fallen in love with this album, completely. By the way, there is a beautiful rendition of Compay Segundo's "Chan Chan" here. I have heard other interpretations of this immortal song. Fortunately, Los Herederos know how to explore the potential energy and vivacity that lay dormant in this song, all the while retaining the nostalgic elements, beautiful imagery and sentimentality that these simple lyrics evoke, turning it into their own. Can you imagine some other band other that BVSC making "Chan Chan" their own? Unimaginable but true. If you doubt the veracity of my assertions then you must hear it for yourself. There is a brief sample of the song on amazon.com. The music contained in this album is pure, unadulterated joy. Please buy it. It will improve your lifespan by a couple of years.