Customer Reviews

Cuba Libre

5 star:		(18)
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Willy Chirino has taken old Cuban standards and added some Cuba/Miami/Afro ritmo to create a fanatastic CD. With the help of Albita, Celia Cruz and Roberto Torres, to name of few, this CD is welcome addition to a true Cuban music aficionado's collection. If you only buy one CD this year, make sure it is Cuba Libre. As a Cuban American that grew up listening to my parents albums, Beny More, La Sonora Matancera and Orquesta Aragon, I HIGHLY recommend this CD. Enjoy! VIVA CUBA LIBRE!!!

As a Cuban born American, listening to this album has become a deeply enriching, fulfilling experience, offering me the unique opportunity to dig into my roots and share a common bond with my parents' generation, during which time most of these songs became popular. Willy Chirino embellishes each track with utter humanity and syncopating rythmns that will have you dancing in the den! Included are such Cuban classics as "el Manisero" (the "Peanut Vendor") and "Son de la Loma" ("They Come from the Hills") two lovely paeans to the guajiro/farmer lifestyle that percolates through most of our Cuban sounds. Better than Gloria, more accessible than Celia, and richer in scope and sound than Albita, Secada and many others, Willy Chirino puts his trademark energy and vocal prowess to superb use here. A startling, refreshing album that serves as an extension of the Cuban culture.

This is an excellent album, containing many new and old Cuban favorites. Willy's interpretation of other artists' songs are very catchy. I especially liked "La Esquina Habanera" with both Hansel and Raul. This album is certain to be very popular inside Cuba itself, even though Willy is not a favorite of the Castro regime. Playing and listening to songs that carry a message of liberty are illegal in Cuba. However, who can resist the combination of Willy, Celia, Albita, and Hansel & Raul? Que viva Chirino! Que viva Changó! Que viva Cuba Libre sin Fidel!

I've had this CD forever and never get tired of it, along with two or three others. Celia Cruz's Boleros Eternos Siempre Celia Cruz Boleros Eternos and Cachao's Master Sessions Vol 1Master Sessions, Vol. 1 and Vol 2 Master Sessions, Vol. 2are the others.

Thanks you Willy for a great album. This is True Cuban music. Your are the best!

I first heard this one at a "listening post" in the music dept. of a busy department store in Barcelona. I could barely restrain myself. The cord for the earphones wasn't long enough and the aisle not wide enough. I've since played it many times. One of my favorites in a very large collection of salsa and afro-cuban recordings.

This is one incredible cd. The music is hot and the performances (by both Willy and his guests) are of the highest caliber! I defy anyone to sit still while this cd is playing, I'm sure that it is virtually impossible. Add to that magnificent lyrics and the results are a perfect blend. You will enjoy it - guaranteed!!

This eclectic collection of Cuban songs would be my recommendation for anyone who's new to the genre. But I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to Latinophiles either.

I've played this CD so many times that if it were a record, I'd be hearing both sides at once. There's a fine variety of ballads, dance music and traditional tunes that hit the mark the first time you hear them, but continue to satisfy after repeated hearings.

"Son de La Loma" is an almost transcendental experience. I never cared much for "El Manisero" until I heard Chirino's superb rendition. The title song starts the CD off with a bang, and the last two cuts end it on a terrific upbeat note.

The guest singers, arrangements and sound quality are all excellent.

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This is the first "Cuban" addition to my ever growing collection of latin music and it may very well be all I need. This collection satisfies every mood especially the one to get on your feet and move! Great compilation of latin sounds paying tribute to a beautiful land. This disc inspires me to take a trip to Cuba for a firsthand look at the beauty all these musicians are singing about with such passion ...VIVA CUBA!

This is clearly Willy Chirino's best. His next best does not even come close. He is a little controversial and is completely banned in Cuba as a Florida right-winger. But I talked to Cubans in Cuba and those particular folk, who are knowledgeable, love this CD and know about the songs on it, although they don't really own CDs much and CD playing boomboxes are a luxury. As for me, I'm not a Cuban--as if that matters--but in things Cuban, sometimes such a disclaimer is demanded. This CD was an early acquisition that put me on the right track. This is not the best Cuban music there is, but its very, very good and accessible for non-Cubans and very rewarding, and well done. The overall production is magnificent. Its the best Cuban music that I know of made outside of Cuba in a generation. And I know a little bit about this subject.