Customer Reviews

Flores De La Vida

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

 

 

Compay does it again. Compay's appearence has everything: superb music, flawless pacing, and the most charming frontman ever. This album opens with "La Negra Tomasa" which takes you away immediatly to the tropical pearl of the south, Cuba. Seconded by "Las Flores De La Vida," the most beautiful song on the album. "Oui Parle Francais" is a song that will have you on your feet in no time. Then to settle you down Compay plays "Juramento" and "Enamorada". Number six, "Amor De Loca Juventud," is a wonderful song, especially when Compay's son, Basilio, does a rendition of the great Louis Armstrongs voice. The album continues at a medium to fast pace until number twelve, "Cazabe y Macho". This is a song full of power and emotion. The album is ended by the timeless "Guantanamera". I don't care what the previous reviewer said about Celia Cruz's version being the best. Compay's version of "Guantanamera" is beyond comparison. And being that Compay is the greatest living Cuban musician, I think Celia would agree. This is a great album to buy if you want to expierence the greatest music on the planet, la musica de Cuba.

After being exposed to traditional Cuban music with the Buno Vista Social Club, I was delighted to find Compay Segundo to further my discovery into this beautiful sound. A relaxing listen, it is both upbeat and complex in its melodies. I highly reccomend this purchase, and look forward to hearing other works by this artist.

Born on November 18, 1907 in Siboney, Cuba, Maximo Francisco Repilado Munoz (better known as "Compay Segundo") died of kidney failure on July 13, 2003 in Havana, Cuba. Farewell to an unbelievably charismatic and talented musician. Known for his sporty, Borsalino-style hats and trademark cigars, Segundo was truly young at heart and rich in sound. He reemerged in popularity in 1997 with the Buena Vista Social Club documentary and CD. With the passing of segundo, the world has lost a truly unique and irreplaceable sound.

It seems incredible that a singer can still be singing when in his 90's. I was prepared to make allowances for his age, but no, that's not necessary.

The familiar "Guatanamera" comes across as a fresh arrangement, and the less familiar soon become favorites. That is my experience here.

This is for those who enjoy Cuban music and a CD which will easily win new converts. Very highly recommended.

I enjoyed most of this romantic album except for #6 Amor de Loca Juventud. It started out as a pretty song but then, halfway through the song, an awful-sounding voice speaking some English lyrics jarred me out of my dreamy mood. He sounded like a very raspy Wolfman Jack. I thought that his voice and his "yeah, baby" ruined the song and that is why this cd only gets 3 stars instead of 4. There is a lovely slow dance version of Guantanamera but no one can top Celia Cruz's version. Although you don't need the English translations to enjoy his music, it is an extra pleasure to read them and get more out of Segundo's music.