Customer Reviews

Cuban Counterpoint: History of the Son Montuno

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I bought this CD Just because it said Cuban in the title. I brought it to a family party, full of Cuban exiles, so that they could tell me whether it was a good buy or not. They all cried when it played, happy tears. They told me that they had not heard those songs in years. They all wanted to know where I found such a priceless CD.

Along with "el son es el mas sublime," this is the other disc you must own if you like the whole BVSC thing. Unlike BV, these are the original recordings, but if you don't buy these CD's before they go out of print, you may never be able to hear authentic Cuban music from the 30's and 40's. Every song is a classic. I like para bailar el montuno myself, but every song is great. The notes are helpful and the selection unbeatable. Truly a superlative disc. One of the few Cuban discs that showcases all the various country styles: guajira, changui, son and son montuno.

There are so many great performances on this album, most notably Arsenio Rodriguez's four tracks, which steal the show. This is a phenomenal introduction to Cuban music--expect to be hooked.

This disc contains a good collection of songs from some of the best oldtime cuban musicians. The age of most of the recordings (bet 1930-60) might make it difficult from someone new to Cuban music to indentify with. El Reloj de la Pastora - Arsenio Rodriguez :this track alone made the album well worth it to me. Where can I find more of this style?

I've been introduced to Cuban music by BVSC, a few years ago. My wife is a professional musician and we love the rythms of Carribean and esp. Cuban music. Since them, I've had a chance to delve more into Cuban music, which I adore, and even travel to Cuba with a professional percussionist who worked with such musicians as Riccardo Egues (hi Andy!)

This CD is such a treat. Don't let yourself be put off by the first tracks (if you listen to the samples and wonder why the reviews are so high), they're field recordings and lack the excitement and energy of the other ones which will just blow you away. But this means also they are authentic, and will provide you with a great panorama across the century of the son montuno. You can't hope for a better introduction, or recap, of this great musical genre. And with so few recordings of Arsenio Rodriguez or of the Se(p/x)teto Habanero and Nacional on the market, this is a unique chance. Seize it while it lasts!

Along the Estrellas de Areito, these are by far the best two buys of Cuban music I did this year. If you're on a limited budget, don't give in to the BVSC thing, save yourself for the good stuff. This is much better!

The musical selections on this compilation range from early field recordings of son montuno, its antecedents and variants (including an example of changüí) through to the sextetos, septetos, conjuntos, orquestas and big bands. Each track makes for enjoyable listening and illustrates something unique and important to the development of this wonderful Cuban art form.

Morton Marks gives a very clear and concise historical overview of the son montuno discussing how the various musical aspects, in particular form, instrumentation & instrumental roles have changed over its life and highlighting the most important contributions of such giants of Cuban music as Ignacio Piñeiro, Miguel Matamoros, Arsenio Rodriguez and Beny Moré. There is also a fascinating comparison between the Cuban guajeo and the jazz riff and how the similarities have been exploited by musicians from both sides, even W.C. Handy!

Interesting historical and musical information is presented for each of the 22 track listings, the only negative point being that not all personnel are listed.

As a lover of Cuban music I have read many articles about son and heard many sones but with this CD I finally feel as though I have a good basic understanding of the history and musical features of the son montuno and can fully appreciate the recent recordings of Marc Ribot and the Afro-Cuban All Stars that first spurred my interest.