Customer Reviews

Mejor De Rca Victor

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Downbeat magazine named Luis Arcaraz's Band one of the five best in the world. This CD includes 20 great instrumental numbers with fabulous renditions of standards like Stormy Weather, Stranger in Paradise, Because of You, and Johnson Rag. I've never cared much for "Love Letters in the Sand," but when this band plays it, Wow! The remaining 20 numbers are Latin boleros, sung by Luis himself, and most composed by him. The band is so good that you really don't need to understand Spanish to appreciate these songs. My husband doesn't know Spanish and he loves this CD. In fact, we love to dance to it! This CD displays the immense talent of Luis Arcaraz -- composer, singer, big band leader. The liner notes list composers and the date of each recording. I wish it had more information on the wonderful musicians in the band.

Somewhere along the tracks of Ray Anthony, Glenn Miller and even Billy May, the sound of Luis Arcaraz emerges as good as theirs but also as personal and unique. This splendid band whose original recordings are so well captured in the present collection, representative of the late 50's and early 60's music, is a must for those of us who enjoyed that epoch and for those who love and admire their magic melodies and rhythms. Arcaraz is able to produce a perfect homage to Glenn Miller in sound and brilliance, but not a single American band could do the same for Luis: They would lack his Latin touch, his crooner voice and the inspiration that gave us songs as Viajera (Traveler) or Munequita de Squire (Squire Little Doll). If you like big band sound, Latin American music or both, this album is perfect. You will not be disappointed.

I only told you this is the best orchestra and singer of the 40/50 years.