Customer Reviews

Malembe

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

 

 

This is definitely much more upbeat than the first cd. I like instrumental jams but I also like to hear some lyrics. Specially if they say something. The musicians are of course, great. Cubans take their music very serious. They usually don't talk much about who is better, they just show you. Jesus is probably one of my favorite trumpet players and Tata Guines is of course Tata Guines. Check out the Reencarnacion cd it's the best of all three.

This CD is great! This band is full of talent, rooted in tradition with an updated sound and lots of "sabor". If you don't like lyrics I guess you won't like 99% of cuban music and about 50% of this record! This album is a nice blend of great traditional tunes(like Mulence)and fine instrumental ones (like Now in Marianao)a much balanced mix than their first effort. Alemany's trumpet (joined here by Guajiro Mirabal another great cuban trumpet player)is inspired and singing, full of that traditional cuban lyricism. Add Alfredo Rodriguez on piano, Tata Guines, and so on...enjoy!

Not just a "nice" work. Alemañy's work presents--through sounds--what being Latino means for many people. The lightness, the joy in life, many great things expressed by an incredible "army" in which each of the players is kind of a General in his instrument. The variety of rhythms addressed makes this work be taken seriously as reference material. Thanks for the music!

Cubanismo specialize in bringing up-to-date the rhythms and styles of pre-Castro Cuba such as guaguanca, pa'ca, son and others. Uplifting and refreshing ensemble work here- great soloing and charts throughout. If the second cut on the CD, "Salsa Pilon", doesn't get your hips swaying and your toes tappin', you'd better check your pulse...

Cubanismo featuring Jesus Alemany - Malembe (Hannibal)
Mix salsa, Cuban pop and jazz with a touch of New York bop, and it's a sure way to get your feet moving and a smile on your face.

With Cubanismo's self-titled debut from last year, bandleader and trumpeter Jesus Alemany revealed what a fantastic feel he had for his music and the resulting worldwide sales were fully deserved. "Malembe" like its predecessor, demonstrates Alemany's sense of tradition with rhythms employed that date back to the `50s. Vocals are handled by Rojitas, a rising star of Latin music and is only one of the well-known names collaborating on this recording.

Long may Alemany continue to make records that sound this good and hopefully some dates in the UK soon.

I listened to a few cuts of this CD at the record store (through headphones). Anticipating greatness, and hearing something close to the junk played on the typical commercial FM stations, I was terribly disappointed.

If you like "Latin" music, rush to get the first "Cubanismo" CD. By contrast, this one is mediocre. I think what did it was the lyrics. The first CD is instrumental. This one has the typical intrusive vocals which usually screw up fine musicianship.