Customer Reviews

Tribute to the Cuarteto Patria

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How do you top albums like "The Lion Is Loose" and "Sublime Illusion?" For Eliades Ochoa, who has to be on the very shortest of short lists of the world's greatest guitarists (who's better?), you do it by digging even deeper into the rich soil of your roots: the sons of the Santiguerras. His "tribute" echoes with music generations old and yet as fresh as tomorrow. This album is different than any of his others: It has ghosts in it and a deep tug of ancient voices that brings it to another level. It is subtle, powerful, ineluctable. Buy this one. You won't be able to stop listening to it.

Few artists leave me eagerly anticipating their next release. However Eliades Ochoa does just the opposite, I look for his music constantly. His newest release is available everywhere and with good reason, the man is incredible, a voice that is unique and dexterity on guitar that rivals the maestroes around the globe. He is without doubt one of the great, if not the greatest contemporary Cuban sonerero. Tribute to the CUARTETO PATRIA, the newest release by Ochoa is in a word, magnificent. The CD was recorded, as the title indicates to honor his roots and a band celebrating 60 years of music, Cuarteto Patria. The inspiration for the CD proves to the right thing as this CD is an instant classic. I've listened to it numerous times already and it is superb. Recorded in Spain and Cuba with many guest musicians, including his brother and several other Ochoa's, Faustino Oramas on vocals including some great percussion work by Joaquin Solorzano this CD is full of earthy roots music. The music leaves you exhilirated and wanting to hear it again, and again. 12 tracks with no less than seven of the Son variety, Ochoa delivers heart felt campesino or country music. The CD opens with Yri Yri Bon that is a celebration of being Cuban and the rhythmns of life surrounding Cubanisimo. The chorus repeats the title numerous times and you know you're listening to the real deal. None of the songs dissapoint and the standouts include, Si Sabes Bailar Mi Son and Me Voy Pa Sibanicu, just to name a few, but really every track is a winner. The accompanying booklet is bilingual so if you're not Spanish speaking you can still enjoy the "meanining" of the lyrics. For now this CD will be played often, at home or on the road, until I find my next Eliades Ochoa CD. Get this CD now, satisfaction guaranteed to all music lovers of Cuban son.

Before I get into how flawlessly talented Ochoa is, let me say that the main editorial review for this album really bugged me 1. The artists from Buena Vista Social Club hardly sound "stale," it's more like: that CD is often the only cuban music cd many americans listen to... so, duh...newbies need to move on, discover more 2. Ry Cooder is, however, stale and pretty much on par with an "Indian (goods) Trader" in the Southwest -- profiting from the talent of another culture. Yeah right, until Ry Cooder came along, man, I had never heard of these famous, brilliant, talented artists who had long-st anding careers... uh huh. Give me a break.

As for Ochoa -- he offers the some of the best cuban country boy music around, and this is a flawless album. One of my favorites. You won't be disappointed.

I'm somewhat of a Cuban music addict -- even after only listening to this CD twice, I can say without a doubt that it's one of the best releases of the last few years. I loved Sublime Ilusion -- this is rustic, campesino music with exquisite tres playing and great vocals by Ochoa. There's not a bad song on this disc. Most of the songs are son with a few boleros and bolero son thrown in. The documentation is excellent with translations of all the songs included. Whether your a veteran collector of classic Cuban music or a newcomer, you'll enjoy this CD. If you like it, try Sublime Ilusion too.

Since purchasing the original "Buena Vista Social Club" CD and video, traditional Cuban music has become my main addiction.

In addition, I have Ochoa's Cuarteto Patria CD with Compay Segundo, his CD entitled "Sublime Ilusión", and "Lion is Loose". I give them all FIVE STARS.

Ochoa seems an absolute master of the acoustical guitar, having played since the guitar was taller than he. Truly the man has, in body, mind and soul, become one with the instrument, playing as instinctively as a normal person walks and talks.

His instrumental talent is amazing, his execution clear and precise. His singing voice is unique, powerful and passionate. Here is one of the most outstanding troubadours of our time. Nobody is working harder than Eliades Ochoa to keep Cuba's "sonero" tradition alive.

Eliades Ochoa is an artist worthy of your attention if the acoustical guitar and Cuban rythms are among your passions. You will not be disappointed!

Another brilliant addition to an already great collection from Cuarteto Patria.

This time reunited by some heavy weights e.g. Joaquin Solorzano on bongos and Armando Machado on double-base. Both played with Cuarteto Patria and since formed Los Guanches.

Great stuff. A must for all lovers of Cuban Son.

Outstanding. Many records on Amazon are overrated, but here everyone is dead on. Ochoa is a living legend who keeps getting better with every release.

For those unfamiliar with the campesino style, it's not "country" like Garth Brooks is country. It's still Cuban, complete with latin percussion, etc., but it's "country" in the sense that rhythms are more basic than latin jazz, horns are mostly absent, and the guitar is the lead instrument. Sort of like the difference between American Blues and Jazz (aka Urban Blues). And like American blues, there's a certain soulfulness to the rustic style that flashier, urban music can't quite approximate.

This is music that will put a smile on your face from the first listen and get better with time.