Mambo

Yma Sumac | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 5, 1996)
• Original Release Date: 1962
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: The Right Stuff
• ASIN: B000002UQS
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,295 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #8 in Music > World Music > South & Central America > Peru
  • #63 in Music > Pop > Easy Listening > Lounge

Editorial Reviews

The 1954 12".

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ow...my ears, April 2, 2002

By 

L.I.T (Makati, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mambo (Audio CD)

Let me first warn you...this cd and artist are not for the musically faint of heart. Yma Sumac's musical style is...different to the extreme. I have likened her to an operatically trained vocalist who went to town on mambo music. She basically uses her voice as another instrument in many parts of the cd and jumps from octave to octave, it is very rare to actually hear her sing lyrics. That being said, her voice is simply awesome. It is one of the most versatile and powerful voices that I have ever heard, I truly believe that she would have been a trip to see live. If you are a fan of hotfire mambo music with a twist, or are looking for something new and totally not-normal I would highly recommend this cd. It is an excellent way to become introduced to one of the most unique musicians you will ever hear. My personal favorite is Chicken Talk. However, the entire cd is just a fascinating listen. But be warned, I have worried a lot of people in my dormitory when I have played this cd, and you probably will too.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why do people say her name is Amy Camus spelled backwards?, December 7, 2001

By 

"skarecreau" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mambo (Audio CD)

I love this CD. Yma Sumac is an extraordinary vocalist with a mind-blowing range. Her voice is sexy and strong and, at times, bird-like. (Supposedly, she had acquired her pipes from having been raised high in the Andes mountains in Peru, which strengthened her lungs from the altitude). Sadly, most of my friends and family are put off by her singing and find it very annoying, so I don't get to play this album at parties very much, but I don't care. I suppose that some people can't recognize talent if it grabs them by the shoulders and caterwauls in their face. However, the person who introduced me to Yma Sumac compared her to Diamanda Galas. With all due respect to Ms. Galas, I find that demeans Yma's talent. On this album, in addition to Yma's beautiful singing, there is also the enchanting arrangements of Billy May, who did a lot of arranging for Frank Sinatra at the better part of his career as well as other illustrious singers of that era. "Mambo!" is brassy and bold, a must for any Latin music fan.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a voice! A true classic!, February 26, 2006

By 

Conlaoch "Conlaoch" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mambo (Audio CD)

I received this album as a gift for my birthday. Although I had heard of Yma Sumac, I had never heard her sing. Imagine how excited I was to open this gift!

You have to take into account the time when this recording was originally made - the early '60s, and the genre - Latin music. If you're not into that kind of music, you may not enjoy this album.

If you like Carmen Miranda, you will be absolutely dazzled by Yma Sumac's range and intensity. Her spellbinding voice moves from contralto to coloratura soprano, and incorporates operatic and jazz stylings. Remember that this was recorded in the days long before digital enhancement!

I'm no expert on Yma (rumors include her being an Incan princess), but the Latin beats of her music are infectious. Even if the backup vocals sound a little dated compared to modern recordings, remember that this album was recorded over 40 years ago.

And it was HOLLYWOOD!!!