Customer Reviews

Lagrimas Negras

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

That's pianist Bebo Valdes, one of Cuba's great jam session players of the 1950s (and still a potent force on the music scene) and flamenco vocalist Diego "El Cigala," whose half-croaked, Arabic-tinged inflections offer a fine counterpoint to Valdes's trademark sleek, supple piano runs. Cigala sounds like he, too, must be an ancient old-timer, un viejo, like all those Buena Vista dudes... But in fact he is a youngster, a ponytailed whippersnapper who just happens to channel weight of the the ages... Quite a lot of gravitas, subtlety and artistic firepower is assembled here; just to spice things up, they bring in some highpowered guests, such as jazzman Paquito D'Rivera, Milton Cardona and Brazilian superstar Caetano Veloso, who duets with El Cigala on a version of "Coracao Vagabundo," which closes the album. Also included are classic compositions by Miguel Matamoros, Maria Teresa Vera and other Latin American and Iberian legends. Mighty classy material.

Lágrimas Negras is the title of a song written by Cuban composer Miguel Matamoros in the 1930s. It says: "Aunque tú me has dejado en el abandono/aunque tú has muerto todas mis ilusiones (Although you have abandoned me/Although you have killed all of my hopes..."). It is also the title track of this new album by Cuban pianist Bebo Valdés (born in 1918) and Spanish flamenco cantaor Diego el Cigala (born in 1960). These two men though born 50 years apart, and two worlds away from each other, have recorded nine passionate songs on a beautiful album. It was as emotive to listen to as it was to hear John Coltrane for the first time. Or, Vinicius de Moraes for the first time. Or Roberto el Polaco Goyeneche for the first time.

This original pairing between Bebo Valdés and el Cigala is sublime. The songs are all standards, but the arrangements are not. Each song features Valdes' smooth jazzy piano melodies and el Cigala's guttural, passionate vocals. To appreciate the entire album's sophisticated textures, it can be listened to in absolute darkness so all of one's senses can focus on its velvety and harsh beauty.

This album combining two maestros from completely different disciplines is a confluence of genius and a love letter to all the composers whose songs are included. After hearing the first verse of the first track my Mother(who has sung many latin love songs in Spanish in her singing career) remarked, "This is tasty!" That summed it up perfectly. Lagrimas Negras will surprise you, seduce you, entrance you, and ultimately force you to throw away your musical preconceptions. Perhaps this is why The New York Times named it their Critics Choice Album of the Year for 2003 - perhaps it could be the album of the year for 2004 also?

it is a really beautifull album. The mix between Bebo & Cigala is astonishing. I really never thought that this could have happened but they gave it to us. It is beautifull and it is not for a special reason except for the matter that this repertoire of romantic latin american music is sang by a Flamenco singer who puts all his energy to acomplish this level of excellence and the piano of Bebo as always is played by the hand of God through out him. If you love latin american music try it, you will be enchanted.

When I first heard about this album, I felt skeptical - Cuban master pianist Bebo Valdes joining forces with a flamenco singer? Huh? But, my friends, what an amazing album this turned out to be. The instrumentation is very sparse (piano and bass most of the time, sometimes adding a horn solo, which perfectly complements the mood), and the incredible voice of Diego Cigala. This "nakedness" of sorts, makes for a powerfully touching, arresting emotional experience. You can feel every nuance in Diego's voice, every eloquent note of Bebo's piano, and the lilting pulse of the bass. Magic, pure magic. Like another reviewer said, this is a perfect album to just play in your backyard in a quiet night, sipping your favorite drink. Careful, though - you may start feeling a little choked-up with emotion. Ah, the power of music. Music without artifice, without gimmicks, without production tricks and polish. What a rare ocurrence in this day and age. Just the pure sound of 2 or 3 acoustic instruments and a pure, imperfect, but beautifully naked voice just bristling with passion. Amazing, simply amazing.

The marriage of the light-hearted, whimsical Cuban jazz and rumba of Bebo Valdes with the soulful masculinity of El Cigala's voice - one of the richest on Spain's vibrant flamenco scene - creates a heartbreakingly beautiful CD that makes you fall in love upon first listening and doesn't disappoint ever again. You won't know if you're in a packed flamenco bar, an Argentine tango hall or a jazz club in Havana, and you won't give a damn. If you follow the lyrics, you'll also find yourself smiling often.

i listen to all types of music, and by that i mean ALL STYLES (from Venezuelan Joropo, to Motown, Country, Mongolian Throat-singers, all types of Jazz, Pop, Hard Rock, etc.) and it is my opinion that, although combining disparate styles may seem like a great idea, more often than not it turns out sounding awful. in this case, however, bebo valdes and diego cigala have come up with unique interpretations of old songs, combining the flamenco style of singing with jazzy and latin piano accompaniment (hints of tango) that sound and feel more authentic and definitive, more profound and timeless, than the thousands of versions that have been recorded through the ages. whether or not you are listening intently to what they are doing -- you could be blasting it in a dark room or just playing it in the background during a dinner party -- it envelopes and transports you with its deep beauty. i simply can not believe how perfect this music is.

Who would have ever thought that two such distinct disciplines could create such a sublime effect. I bought this album 2 months ago and have played it nearly 100 times! Not since I was a kid has a recording had such an effect on me. My wife loves it too. We saw Bebo and Diego live in Spain (twice) and it was an incredibly moving experience. If you can understand the words (in Spanish) so much the better, if not the music is still fantastic and the emotion that Diego conveys in his voice makes the hair stand up on your arms. Do yourself a favour and give it a try. I never liked jazz nor flamenco before this Cd - Now I am hooked.
p.s There is also a live DVD on sale from flamenco.com called Blanco Y Negro. This is excellent too!

Purely Magical! This is one of those rarities that make you re-gain your lost and forgotten powers. When you listen to these collaborations, you embarke on a journey with some of the world's most talented artists and improvisers; you are taken through some of the most beautiful labyrinths in Cuba, Spain, Argentina, Brazil,America...etc. Boundaries are non-existent, and suddenly you will realize again that the Language of L'amour is your only passport to this world.

This cd combines one of the greatest flamenco singers of today, cantaor Diego El Cigala, with one of Cuba's finest Afro-Cuban pianists, Bebo Valdes. The feeling and power contained in this album can not be described. Cigala's voice comes from a deep dark place, and nurtures your soul with a operatic tone. Bebo piano is flawless, the harmony and the ability to carry the Flamenco classics is wonderful. If you are a fan on music and musicianship this album is a skilled hunter which captures both. The booklet contain the lyrics in English and fantastic pictures. If you are a fan of jazz, opera, rock you will love this one of a kind master piece.