Customer Reviews

Llorona

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I just got this from Amazon & the first thing that captured me was the sound of the sumptious guitar by Marcela Rodriguez followed by a trembling, hoarse,fully throated voice of Chavela Vargas Oh! boy is it an experience oh! what? she has the best haunting voice I have ever heard in a tradition music.I dont understand Spanish but the music transcends all language barriers. At times you could feel that she is almost crying and sadness is all over the vocals with the guitar mimicking her trembling voice it's unbelievable.especially on "sombras", "Cruz de Olvido","Rogaciano", "La Llorona" infact ALL SONGS are the best. The version of "Llorona" is a complete version at 8:29 minutes. Lucky for me I got an import from Madrid, Spain with Pedro Almodovar's(movie producer of Talk to her,All about my mother,Live Flesh, Tie me up, Tie me down etc) stamp of approval as he likens Chavela Vargas to Billie Holiday, Edith Piaff,etc and he says that his experience with Vargas was the most important thing in his life.Now you tell me how can anyone beat that.Thanks to her smoking cigars (sorry I'm not condoning smoking)her voice hoarseness is what makes me love her music even more.The music is laid back here & very melodius, no electric snyths just voice & acoustic Spanish guitar. This CD will appeal to people who love Latin guitar, jazz/fussion,jazz vocal, & those who love to immense themselves with other people's cultures. You dont have to speak Spanish to listen to any kind of music.So go on buy this as gift for someone special.

Of course not the old Chavela, her voice has been hardened by liquor, aging, and cigars, but the drama and feeling is still there. That is what makes her such an icon. Time has given her an edginess in her "rough voice of tenderness". In addition, the ranchera songs on this CD are beautifully emotional and poignant.

Chavela Vargas is a living " Rancheras " legend that can wail with the best . The rough voice of tenderness ... a TREAT ...

If you loved Chavela's singing in the movie "Frieda", then you will love this CD. I put it on when I'm home alone, baking a pie and I turn it up really loud....but not so loud when my family's home! No kidding and no tears..llorona!