Customer Reviews

Orgullo De Los Soneros

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

 

 

"Pride of the Soneros", the title says it all. This CD is a must have to any serious collection of Cuban music. The musicians featured on this incarmnation of "SH" are fabulous, 8 musicians with a combined age of 500! That translates into alot of experience and these veteranos can really play. The CD is comprised of son, guaracha and boleros sometimes in very tasty combinations. The vocals on "Se Entero" are chilling as the singers voice quivers and enunciates con sabor. This is classic Cuban music that rivals such illuminaries as the "Buena Vista Social Club" for authenticity. This is reflected in the sheer volume of work and experience, this band has been around for 80 years! It was even recorded in Cuba. The technical style is flawless and rich with polyrhythmns, trumpet, tres, guiro, guitar and bass. Mix these instruments with vocals that are exquisite and you have "Septeto Habanero", a Cuban musical tresure. Do yourself a favor and add this CD to your Cuban collection, you won't be disappointed.

If it can be believed, Septeto Habanero has released a new record to top 1995's "75 Years Later." Although the great Manuel Fure's lead vocals are missed, any of the three great soneros who replace him on this CD are fine singers in their own right. (On track #8, "Que se Acabe el Leperepe," one of them even sometimes resembles the great Carlos Embales.) Also, I prefer the new trumpet player, his tone and style fit better with the traditional format of the group. The production (by Cesaria Evoria's producer Jose da Silva) is just excellent, perfectly capturing the energetic, acoustic flavor of the music. Most importantly, though, the group has packed the CD with great arrangements of great songs, and mostly newer originals. Track #3, "Que Encierran Tus Ojos," a bolero son by the group's leader, guitarist German Pedro Ibanez, is an instant classic...If you're already initiated into the sounds of traditional "Son," or if you have worn out "Buena Vista Social Club" &/or "Cubanismo," this is a must.

Brilliant, haunting, driving.

Latin music is as varied as its native countries.

If like me you first dipped your toes into this genre through merenque and cumbia, son is a new rich experience. And this CD is pure son, not Buena Vista Social Club which was spoiled for me by some foreign musician's twanging electric guitar.

The CD also seems to be better sound quality than the copies of La Epoca de Oro and El Son lo mas Sublime.

This is a must have for the cuban son-afficionados. It's solid, great music, in the classical form, that'll keep you entertained for hours. I have three or four of CDs like this and put them on a loop during the day, haven't gotten bored of it yet :) If you like those, check out Mas Cube Libre, and the Israel Lopez Cachao Descargas CD.

Orgullo de los Soneros is one of the best Cds of Cuban music I have heard in a long time. I simply loved this CD for the music has the authentic Cuban sound I grew up listening. The musicians are seasoned with total control of their instruments. I highly recommend this CD.