Customer Reviews

Cuba: I Am Time

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I WOULD LIKE TO BUY "PEDRO SIMON" FROM ORQUESTRA COLON. THANKS YOU VERY MUCH