Cuba: I Am Time [Box set]

Various Artists - International - Caribbean & Cuba | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 6, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Blue Jackel
• ASIN: B000005AHS
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #70,087 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #17 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Cuba > Big Band
  • #18 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba
  • #26 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Afro-Cuban

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. El Sinsonte - Pancho Quinto Y Su Grupo Anag7

2. Obatala - Merceditas Valdes

3. La Voz Del Congo - Clave Y Guaguanco

4. Chach - Los Munequitos De Matanzas

5. Yemaya - Conjunto Folklorico Nacional De Cuba

See all 13 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Arolla Cubano - Maria Teresa Vera

2. Mamita Cambia - Miguelito Valdes

3. Saoco - Celeste Mendoza

4. Yo Si Tumbo Cana - Cuarteto D'Aida

5. Guajira Guantanamera - Joseito Fernandez

See all 18 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Que Bueno Baila Usted - Beny More

2. Rumba Caliente - Elio Reve Y Su Charangon

3. Iliana Quiere Chocolate - Pello Afrokan

4. Echale Salsita - Septeto Nacional De Ignacio Pineiro

5. Tres Lindas Cubanas - Sexteto Habanero

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. Mambo - Mario Bauza

2. Descarga Numero Dos - Chico O'Farrill

3. Juana Mil Ciento - Irakere

4. Nueva Vision - Emiliano Salvador

5. Bemba'e Cuchara/Spoon Lips - Cachao

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Cleverly packaged in a faux cigar box, this four-CD compilation of Cuban music is designed with the curious fan in mind. Each disc is dedicated to a genre: Cuban Invocations (Afro-Cuban religious music), Cantar en Cuba (songcraft), Bailar con Cuba (dance music), and Cubano Jazz (jazz). Rather than attempting a full historical account, the selection of both classic and modern performers suggests the evolution of the music in broad, bold strokes. Cantar en Cuba features singer Maria Teresa Vera, a key historical figure, but also up-to-the-minute salsero Issac Delgado. In Cubano Jazz, the late bandleader Mario Bauza, crucial in the birth of Latin jazz in the early '40s, is represented alongside contemporary pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The accompanying 112-page booklet includes essays, interviews, and a useful song-by-song discussion that sets the music in context. The result is an informative, rewarding overview of Cuban music--and a terrific instant dance-music collection. --Fernando Gonzalez

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice selections, inadequate documentation, July 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cuba: I Am Time (Audio CD)

Good sampler of styles and artists. However, while the well illustrated booklet that accompanies the set discusses at length cultural and religious influences on the music, basic information such as recording dates and personnel is completely absent. For a newcomer to Cuban music trying to piece together a history of major artists, innovators and most influential recordings, the lack of discographical information and historical context is frustrating.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't get any better., September 28, 2003

By 

Richard Periut (Little Ferry, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cuba: I Am Time (Audio CD)

This is truly an eclectic collection of the diversity that makes not only the Cuban music, but its people.

Of course, it does not include the classical compositions of Ernesto Lecuona (I recommend Lecuona plays Lecuona,) amongst other Cuban musicians of different genres.

It does justice with respect to the music of the early 20th century, to the latter years of musicans under Castro's BIG eye.

6 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eclectic introduction to Cuban music uneven but fine, January 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cuba: I Am Time (Audio CD)

I don't claim to be an expert on Cuban music. But this has been a fine introduction to the genre for me. The hubris of developing a Cuban collection on four disks becomes clear the longer I listen, because of the wildly different styles and the rich variations even within them. (So imagine, say, doing a four-disk compliation of "Music from Chicago.")

On the other hand, what better way to hear and learn? My apartment has looked like a Little Caesar's commercial for a week. And it's tough to do a conga line when you work at home by your lonesome.