Customer Reviews

Oro Musical

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

 

 

Omara Portuondo is a legend in the music school known as 'feeling' a way, style of writing/singing rather different from usual boleros and balads. The good thing about this recording, is also the reason for its flaws. It seems to cover a period of twenty/thirty years. You'll find here ballads with typical soft rock arrangements from the sixties, big orchestras and small conjunto. There are different styles; guajira, bolero,son, and ballads in a strange mix of sounds and arrangements that are not easy to listen to the first time. However, for the serious Cuban music aficionado, this recording is a must. It puts the listener in the unusual position of noticing the historical musical changes in styles,arrangements and how Ms. Portuodo dealt with each situation. Perhaps, the most important thing about this recording is that gives a lot of information in terms of La Lupe's voice, style and phrasing. There is no doubt of Omara Portuondo's influence in that other legendary Cuban singer with a fragil, weak voice with a powerful feeling and presence.

Actually, there is only one piece on this CD that I really liked. It is "Nosotros," featuring Omara with a masterfully Jobim-esque guitar backup. The piece is so sublime that it makes up for most of the other tracks which are--to my taste--over produced. I wish credits had been given, because I have the feeling this is a compilation, and I would like to know which album the "Nosotros" take is from. Any fan of the classic Getz/Gilberto collaborations will be thrilled, at least with this one number.