Unforgettable Boleros

Chucho Valdes & Irakere (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 2005)
• Original Release Date: September 12, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Velas
• ASIN: B00004Y6HD
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #181,869 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Solamente una vez

2. Tres palabras

3. Noce de ronda

4. Bésame mucho

5. Mi mejor cancion

6. Tu me acostumbraste

7. Quizas, quizas, quizas

8. Alma mia

9. Estas en mi corazon

10. Piel Canela

11. Como fue

12. El dia que me quieras

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

On Unforgettable Boleros, only three of the original Cuban band Irakere remain, with Chucho Valdés, an established solo artist, still at the helm. Here they delve into some of the great romantic boleros. While it might not be as innovative as some of their other work, the music makes for a lovely disc, especially when the impassioned vocals of Leo Vera lead the songs. Valdés himself keeps his furious, formidable technique in check, leading from the back (although he does take a luscious, Ellington-esque solo on "Como Fue"). Instead, it's the material that's the star, whether as familiar as the standard "Besame Mucho" or the lovely "Alma Mia." The horn charts are inventive, filling out the songs without ever seeming to dominate. Even without original stalwarts like Arturo Sandoval and Paquito D'Rivera, Irakere continue to impress, almost 30 years after forming. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly sexy and romantic blend of music!, January 8, 2003

By 

J. B. Rodriguez "jb_rodriguez" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unforgettable Boleros (Audio CD)

Don't listen to the review by the "fan of Irakere from the very beginning" - This album is a treasure; it is perhaps the greatest arrangement and performance of these classic boleros ever put together. These songs are given fresh, soulful and very moving presentations. The agony and the ecstacy of romance, the pain of unrequited love, comes through in every note and phrase. Chucho and the band perfectly accompany the vocalists, knowing both when to take the forefront, and when to hold back. This is an album to play on that special night when you are close to the one you love. Do not miss this album!! You will not be disappointed.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Where have I been?, July 13, 2006

By 

John C. Bresnik (Escondido, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unforgettable Boleros (Audio CD)

I just recently "discovered" Chucho Valdes -- I was a professional jazz piano player for nine years (1955-1964) and am still playing, but, for some reason, I never heard or heard of Chucho. This guy is brilliant -- move over Art Tatum -- that level of playing. But, what I enjoy most is the rhythm. His rhythm section is right there ... first class; and some nice tenor work and excellent vocals. Great piece of work.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great band without good singers, January 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Unforgettable Boleros (Audio CD)

I have followed Irakere since its very beginning, and I have always been impressed by the great quality of their musicians. Regardless of how good their recordings may have been, there is no comparison with listening to them live.

However, my opinion is that their weakness has only been the lack of good vocalists. In this record, this is quite identifiable. While the female singer is OK, listening to the male singers is quite a challenge.

Because of the nature of boleros, Irakere cannot show off here their great talent as musicians.