Customer Reviews

Casa De La Trova

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Casa De La Trova" affected me similarly to Buena Vista Social Club in that I fell in love with the music from the very first listen, and seem never to tire of it. Such is the quality; such is the uniqueness.

With its exquisite rythms and impeccable accoustical guitar (or "tres") work and romantic lyrics, this music cannot help but make one feel good.

Neither Daniel Castillo's devotion to Juana González (his inspiration), nor the 53 years of love they shared are lost on me. Quite the contrary. I envy it as I envy every Cuban their right to claim this remarkable musical heritage (which remains one of the last few pleasures in my life).

But it is the more cynical "Flor De Venganza" (Flower of Vengeance - the first cut on the album) that is my favorite, hands down. "Sublime Ilusión" and "¿Y Tú Qué Has Hecho?" were already favorites of mine.

Life has never been easy in Cuba, least of all for those of African descent. To turn life's simplest pleasures (and even its most bitter heartaches) into such beautiful music is a talent that, again, I can only envy. Nowhere is this ability more elegantly or eloquently celebrated than in "Casa De La Trova".

Unfamiliar with the artists, I bought this CD based upon my fondness for Eliades Ochoa's music and, particularly, his recording of a song by the same title.

The song is nowhere on this album, but is a warm and personal invitation to the listener to come (to the "Casa de la Trova") to "gozar" (enjoy) the "son montuno" music that was as mothers' milk to Ochoa and which has been his very lifeblood for half a century.

My faith in Ochoa was well placed. This CD is one of the most prized and pleasurable in my entire collection.

This is the only CD of which I have two copies, one for home and one for my office. It's that good. There's a considerable variety here, and some isn't the kind of stuff I normally go for -- but the sweeter material is done so well that, to my surprise, I enjoy it a lot; and as for the raucous and jolly Faez sisters, they're peerless.

"Casa De La Trova" is a delightful compilation of traditional cuban romantic songs. This CD has an impressive cover which features a portrait of the late composer Juana Gonzalez who's style and compositions such as "En Guantanamo", "El Guajiro de Cunagua", etc. influenced cuban music. The album title song should be "El Misterio de Tus Ojos" composed by Juana's husband, Daniel Castillo who gives us an interesting narration stating that his late wife of 53 years, was the main source of his songwriting inspirations. A "traditional trova" all-star cast featuring Las Hermanas Faez, Las Hermanas Ferrin, Trio Miraflores, Cascarita (caution not Orlando Guerra-Cascarita), Zaida Reyte, Lucia Lago(the only surviving member of the famous "Trio Hermanas Lago"), Alfredo Alonso, Lusson Bueno and Daniel Castillo, make this album a must buy for all traditional music lovers.

This CD has a wide variety of musicial arrangements complimented by several unique vocal styles. I really liked Buena Vista Social Club, (5 stars) but I would have to give this CD a 5+.

Casa de la Trova is one of those rare CD's you will always have at hand.It should come with a warning label: "Addictive digital substance".Simply magnificent.Silvio Rodriguez and Pablo Milanes from La Nueva Trova found everything done,they just added propaganda.Click and get it.

Señores, this is it. Buena Vista Social Club is OK if you forgive Ray Cooder's annoying intromissions; there is nothing like that here. Nothing extra added, almost no production. This is the real thing. You thought Buena Vista was great, right? I got some news for you. No Bull.
Peace.

I echo ALL of the above. The entire CD is great - but Flor de Venganza is absolutely priceless. POR QUE !?! There are so many gossipy musical conversations going on in this song - plus the plotting tone of the sisters' voices telling their story together, the loudmouthed trumpet, the rhythms . . . .Not many songs reach the perfection this song does. I wonder how many of those dried flowers you see on graves were in that condition when they were placed there!.