Customer Reviews

Mi Sueño

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have quite a few of Ibrahim Ferrer's recorded music and found his boleros (slower songs) quite pleasing and emotional. I would pick the boleros he sang out of all the Buena Vista recordings and put them on my MP3 player because I liked the soulful emotion he envoked when he sang. It's hard to describe in words, sometimes an artist interpretation of a song really touches the soul, Ibrahim was one of these unique artists. I was very pleased to see that there is finally a release of just slow songs, about love and relationships, even if you don't understand the Spanish language, I think you will hear his Cuban soul and warmth penetrate your senses. I must say that in his earlier recordings ( from the original Buena Vista recordings) the tone and clarity of his voice was prime. In this CD, one can hear the aging of his voice a bit, but don't let that deter you from adding this CD to your collection, for such a soulfoul voice only comes about once in a decade or two, and Ibrahim's expressive qualities were as eminently apparent in his earlier years as they were in his late years. This is a good selection of songs, some were very popular, such as "Perfidia," and "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas," others less recognizable, but all suitable for both listening and slow dancing.

I was absolutely crushed when I heard of Ferrer's death back in 2005, and the recent release of Mi Sueno was more than I could have asked for to bring his music back into my life.

I take issue with the previous reviewer who stated that Ibrahim did not have much of a voice (unless having a "voice" nowadays only means how loud someone can sing, which seems to be the case when watching contestants on American Idol). I'm sure it wasn't meant in a negative way--after all, those are words I would use to describe the inimitable Billie Holiday--but there is nothing lacking in his vocal strength or technique. Even in the last years of his life, he could still carry a note so meltingly beautiful and full of emotion without sounding strained. The most wonderful quality about his singing is the brightness of his tone yet the ability to convey bittersweet sadness at the same time. I don't have to understand Spanish to know what the songs are about.

Roberto Fonseca brings a wonderful modern sound to the album, and while I miss the virtuosic Ruben Gonzalez, I'm glad that this was my introduction to another talented Cuban pianist who I will be looking out for in the future.

When those magnificent Cuban veterans Buena Vista Social Club exploded on to the scene, their singer Ibrahim Ferrer was the life and soul of the party.

It wasn't so much his voice - he really didn't have much of one - but more what he did with it: his timing, and the irrepressible glee with which he delivered his frequently saucy lyrics.

"Mi sueno" means "my dream", and that is literally what this posthumous new album meant for him: he had always wanted to record a collection of boleros - meltingly romantic traditional songs - and that is what he spent his last weeks recording.
Luckily, his death didn't prevent that dream being realised, as he'd left a cache of high-definition demos.
So here we are: sensitively backed by his superb group on piano, bass, guitar, and drums, and at one point poignantly joined by fellow veteran Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim calls to us from beyond the grave with inimitable grace.

We don't hear this kind of music anymore.Ibrahim sings from his soul.Classic boleros with an outstanding band behind him.Don't miss it!

Just amazing, I play it over and over! For me it serves as a bridge that brings to reality a cuba that was experienced by a generation that is slowly passing like the Maestro Ibrahim Ferrer. I grew up with this style/era of music in thanks to my grandparents.It allows me to be a part of them and bring to them a little piece of the Cuba they left behind.

Ibrahim Ferrer shows yet again the finesse and maturity of a well seasoned vocalist who over the years has become better and better. With the Buena Vista sound backing him up he lets loose song after song with the incredible range and confidence only a master can produce. A wonderful posthumos album with his take on several classics. A spellbinding duet with Omar and impeccable rythm that grows on you the more you listen to it. Its wonderful to compare to his more youthful works and see that what he gave up in fiestiness he more than makes up for in sheer class and charisma. A must buy.

I ordered 2 copies of Mi Sueno and sent one to my 30 yr. old nephew who recently married. He and his wife called and said they loved it, too. So a 90 yr. old musician can communicate with 30 somethings through music. That restores my faith in human kind.

Mi Sueño Ferrer's voice is seasoned to perfection. This is a man who has experienced life at its fullest and his interpretations demonstrate that. His phrasing is perfect in the romantic boleros and his voice is still strong, revealing his sonero roots. This is a CD that people will listen to again and again. This beautiful dream is real. Ferrer leaves us a marvelous gift.

Though he had been active in music for many years, Ibrahim Ferrer came to my attention only through his involvement with Ry Cooder's wildly popular Buena Vista Social Club. And whatever you might think about that project, it was instrumental not just in resuscitating the careers of Ferrer and others who languished largely unemployed under Castro's heel, it also generated a worldwide rebirth of interest in Cuban music. Cuban music flourishes today and for that much of the credit has to go to Cooder.
Since I heard the BVSC, I have branched out and listened to some of the music recorded solo by those associated with that project. Mi Sueno is the first solo project of Ferrer's I have purchased, and after hearing it I assure you it won't be the last. Unfortunately for Ferrer and for us, it will be his last recording as he died shortly before it was finished. So though he realized his dream of recording an album of boleros (hence the title), he sadly is not around to enjoy the accolades it has garnered.
The songs here are not all strictly Cuban. I recognize a couple that were penned by the great Mexican composer Agustin Lara and another (Uno) that is of Argentine origin. What they have in common really is the way that Ferrer chose to interpret them. This album was a labor of love for Ferrer and its realization is a worthy legacy for a man who labored so long in the shadows.
Though I can't give the album five stars as some of the songs are "unfinished" vocally (You'll probably be able to guess which songs need another take) with the instruments added posthumously, it is a solid four star effort. Like one of the other reviewers, I really like Uno and Perfidia. In addition, my favorites include Si Te Contara, Melodia del Rio, and an interesting cover of Lara's Copla Guajira.
Those looking for a regurgitation of Buena Vista Social Club material aren't going to find it on Mi Sueno. What they will find is an intimate take on the music that was significant to the life of Ibrahim Ferrer. You also get an attractive booklet containing pictures, lyrics in both Spanish and English, and other pertinent information. If you love Latin music in the Cuban style, then Ferrer's dream can be yours as well. Highly recommended!

Mi Sueno is the kind of CD that you can put on and play over and over again for hours. Ibrahim sings each song with such conviction you feel every note and you know he has been in love and was deeply in love when he sang these songs. Rest in peace Ibrahim! You were indeed God's gift to us while you were on this earth.