Customer Reviews

Calle 54

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fernando Trueba has presented us with a lushly filmed and recorded valentine to Latin Jazz. Calle 54 is 54th street in New York, where the Sony studios are - and for these individual performances,these studios became like another country called Calle 54. The opening number, "Panamericana" features Caribbean and South American rhythms, with Paquito d'Rivera on clarinet and Milton Cardona, vocal. There's a bandoneon, awakening echos of Astor Piazzola, and what looks to be a Brazilian cavaquinho - a guitar-like instrument,and bata drums. Eliane Elias, a beautiful Brazilian jazz pianist, performs a swinging "Samba Triste". And the list goes on. Jerry Gonzales and Fort Apache are memorable, as are Chucho Valdez with his dad Bebo; Michel Camilo's fingers fly across the keyboard with the speed of light- there's Cachao,Puntilla Rios and more.Tito Puente gives us an energy-filled farewell, sounding as great as ever. What a cd.

Let us keep the praise simple - this is paired down excellence of great music - make sure good friends are exposed to it. As we should have good paintings in our lives - so too this type of great music.

I enjoyed the music on here very much, but if you are going to buy it new, at full price, why not buy the DVD for a couple bucks more? It's an overall better experience to see the musicians playing while listening to the music. Plus the interviews make the DVD a better purchase. The CD is okay to listen to in the car, but I think that you're missing the whole effect until you see the DVD.

one of those rare soundtrack albums that manages a mix of both visually arresting artists as well as musically compelling performances. Good updates on old standards like Samba Triste (by Eliane Elias) and Bolivia, plus two good turns on the piano by Chucho Valdes. Seldom get to hear in nice recorded form big bands like Chico O'Farrill's so it's great to have him here, as are Chano Dominguez' lovely stylings. Wrap this up with giants like Paquito D'Rivera and Tito Puente, and it's just as good as most personal Latin mix tapes.

This CD does more than just cover songs from the movie. It stands solidly as a good sampler of many of the biggest names in latin jazz. While every song on the album won't appeal to everyone, such is the case with latin jazz in the real world. If you are new to latin jazz, or want a good mix on one CD, this is a good buy. Oh, and it's a good soundtrack if you liked the movie.

What an album! I love the musicality of the artists and the last track, 'La Comparsa', is lovely. You won't be able to stop tapping your toes or dancing. Enjoy!

the soundtrack to this film offers a very good sampling and examples of what Latin jazz is all about. It is enjoyable and easy listening - and it lets you see the main stylistic differences between each artist. Gato Barbieri's tango is a personal favorite...

I bought the cd some time ago and listened to it sparingly even though I enjoyed the music. I also just saw the movie which made me appreciate the music a thousand fold. The movie is brilliant in its simple approach of capturing masters play their instruments with exquisite energy. Each piece is magnificent and the artistry is phenomenal. The best part is that the music is breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoy!

Hands down, this album is a must. I have had lots of people ask me who is playing when I start playing Calle 54. A worthy addition to anyone's music library. Included in this wonderful compilation is Tito Puente's last recording as two months later he passed away. I love this album, don't wait buy it now. If you buy it used it can save you a couple of bucks!

a minute after the beginning of the first song there was no doubt this was a great movie and soundtrack.
every song is perfect and nostalgic but honoring those who gave their soul and their essence to latin jazz. It feels so latin, it feels so jazzy, it feels so complete. Great for any mood, puts a smile on your face.