Customer Reviews

Fantasia Espanola De Agustin Lara

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

 

 

I was very glad to see that this CD was released recently from the recordings of the original 1962 LP. This is a rich, historical, musical tresure that features the romantic musings of Javier Solis interpreting some of the great Mexican composer Augustin Lara's finest songs. As stated in the title, this is a "Spanish Fantasy", all songs were written by el maestro Augustin Lara with a Spanish theme, there are many pasodobles. The ex-boxer, Mexican crooner, turned movie-idol was five years into his musical career when these original recordings were released and his voice was magnificent. One of the best interpreters of the bolero, el sonorense Javier Solis performs with El Mariachi "Nacional" de Arcadio Elias with supreme confidence as his voice cascades and transcends ordinary offerings by other less notable interpreters. Nearly half a century old, the music is a reminder of the artistic past that prematurely ended for Javier Solis because of an accident.His voice was soft and beautiful, yet able to authoritatively command attention because of the subtle phrasing and wonderful velvety sound of his voice. His unique voice was best suited to the bolero as he softly whispers at times, building gently, rising to fantastic high notes, rollercoasting to low notes and slowing back down to deliver his musical seduction. The songs included are definitely Spanish with many of the themes built around La Fiesta Brava, including Lara's "Novillero" (about an apprentice bullfighter), "Fermin"(in homage to Fermin"Armillita"Espinoza), "Silverio"(a tribute to Silverio Perez, the great Mexican torero) and others. The great cites of Spain are honored as well including "Valencia", "Toledo" and the classic, "Granada". "Granada" is one of those songs that although interpreted by many and so many times, is just one of those songs that cannot be played too often , it is just more beautiful than words can explain. This music is almost fifty and those old enough fondly remember Javier Solis either from his movies or recordings. Those younger have probably never heard of him, but make no doubt about it, once you've heard his remarkable velvety voice you'll never forget him. Javier Solis, one of the best interpreters of the bolero genre is unforgetable/inolvidable and this CD allows a new generation of listeners to hear him at his best. If you like Spanish music with mariachi, Augustin Lara compositions or just one of the best boleros, Javier Solis, this CD belongs in your collection, he was/is one of Mexico's treasures.

Javier Solis is one of my all-time favorite singers, and Agustin Lara's songs are superb, so why do I give it less than top ratings? Well, to reiterate, Agustin Lara's compositions are excellent. But these songs can be very difficult and tricky to sing, and perhaps not ideal for a baritone voice, such as Javier's. So, thusly it is difficult for me to listen to this version of "Granada," when comparing it to Mario Lanza's or Placido Domingo's. On the other hand Javier's talent was completely natural and all intuition - perhaps not the formal excellence of Jorge Negrete, but a beautifully dramatic voice. And to me this is most evident in songs like "Novillero" "Clavel Sevillano," and "Silverio." For the non-fan, the best place to start the aural wonder and fascination even is "Valses." I suppose there are "Hits" packages that are better, but "Valses" is the best non-compilation recording.
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Javier Solís es uno de los cantantes más favoritos míos, y las canciones de Agustín Lara son supremas, entonces ¿Por qué no he puesto marcas de lo máximo? Bueno, repito, las composiciones de Agustín Lara son la excelencia. Pero estas canciones pueden ser muy difíciles y trabajosas para cantar, y posiblemente no son ideales para una vos de barítono, como la de Javier. Entonces, por eso, es difícil escuchar esta versión de "Granada" al compararla con versiones de Mario Lanza o de Placido Domingo. Por otro lado, el talento de Javier fue completamente natural y pura intuición - tal ves no la excelencia formal de Jorge Negrete, pero una vos bellamente dramática. Y creo que esto es obvio en canciones como "Novillero" "Clavel Sevillano," y "Silverio." Para el que no es fanático, el lugar mejor para empezar es "Valses." Supongo que hay colecciones "Éxitos" mejores, pero "Valses" es la mejor colección original.

If you like Javier Solis or any of his spanish style music must have CD... is great gave aw a present to Mom and she wasn't stopped listening to it great but, great price, grater service thanks.

Though I am a fan of Agustin Lara, I might never have heard this album if not for the insistence of reviewer Enrique Torres who sent me a note after reading one of my reviews of another album of Lara covers. Now that I have heard Fantasia Espanola de Agustin Lara, I am delighted that I followed his recommendation.
Agustin Lara wrote a huge number of songs in his storied career. Among those were a number of songs about Spain and Spanish cultural phenomena. With Fantasia Espanola, Javier Solis brings some of these together on one album and in so doing paints for the listener vivid images of an idealized Spain.
Now, I had never heard Solis before hearing this album. Those who have heard him know how great he sounds of course, but if you like Lara and have not heard Solis, here is your chance to enjoy them both. Solis has a magnificent voice and brings fresh perspective to these Lara classics. Those used to Lara may miss the piano but should soon warm to Solis' suave mariachi-style presentation.
My favorites here are Cuerdas De Mi Guitarra, Suerte Loca, the incomparable Granada, Silverio, and Fermin. I knock off one star for the brevity of the CD (no bonus cuts) and for the cut-rate cover sleeve that features only the barest minimum of album information. These days, there is no excuse for that!
I don't agree with the reviewer who says this is bland. Bland as what? If you are expecting Jimi Hendrix, this is not for you. I like Hendrix, but as my musical tastes are broad, I like Lara too. So I think Javier Solis has done himself and the music much credit with this release. Listen and you'll agree.

CD was delivery on time and in good condition. Recipient was happy to go back in time listing to this collection of music.

I like Agustin Lara's tunes, but the way Solis sings them they all sound the same. He employs vibrato on every note that's held long enough to use it on, and it sounds weak and wobbly. If you want to hear the real beauty of Lara's music, go to Placido Domingo's Bajo el Cielo Espanol.