A Toda Cuba Le Gusta

Afro-Cuban All Stars

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 16, 1997)
• Original Release Date: September 16, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B000005J54
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,730 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #6 in	Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Afro-Cuban
  #81 in	Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Cuba

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A rousing ensemble recording, A Todo Cuba Le Gusta features a band made up largely of Cuban music elders. As a reflection of their collective experience playing multiple percussion instruments and brightly lit trumpets, the Afro-Cuban All Stars churn with high drama, even while playing music that's paced with extravagant patience. The time signatures overlay and run against each other in a casual trot while the trumpets blare with fat fullness. Add to that the impassioned group vocals and you've got a hard-to-beat Cuban traditional music session. --Andrew Bartlett

Product Description

Capturing the sound of the legendary soñeros of the 1950s golden age of Cuban big band music, A Toda Cuba Le Gusta was recorded in just six days and nights at the same time as the Buena Vista Social Club sessions. Bold and brassy, this is exhil --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Cuban is thrilled w/this Cuban album. Read my review, June 27, 1998

By A Customer

This album is a work of art. It is only rivaled by its companion albums, "Buena Vista Social Club", and "Introducing Ruben Gonzalez". I would strongly recommend buying all three and listening to them in succession, although each is excellent in its own right. "Afro-Cuban All-Stars" is a collection of old standards, mostly from the Cuba of the 30's, 40's, and 50's. Although to many (including this Cuban-american) that Cuba is gone, what with the political scene such as it is now under Castro, the music IS ALIVE, as this album definitely proves. Lush, big band sounds, impeccable singing by such greats as Ibrahim Ferrer and Manuel Puntillita Licea, combine to paint a vivid musical picture that practically includes the tropical aroma of the island itself. The first track, "Amor Verdadero", is a "son" that tells an unforgettable story of a man and his relationship with his mother which sustained him during a traumatic life. "Habana del Este" has a beautifully nostalgic, melancholy feel to it that reminds one of simpler, more romantic times of yesteryear. Yet tracks like, "Pio Mentiroso" leave one with a desire to jump up and dance, shyness be damned. Take it from this Cuban, this is the album to get, whatever your culture, whatever your taste. You'll love it.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the world's most danceable music!, July 20, 1999

By A Customer

I bought this album because the group is coming to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore in March of 2000. I'm a telemarketer and wanted to know what they sounded like so I could pitch them. I've also been to Cuba and really enjoyed the music there. The verdict: This is a fabulous album and I've been raving about it and about the group to my patrons ever since. I predict that people will be dancing in the aisles at the Meyerhoff! It is impossible to sit still while listening to it; even my totally nonmusical sister was dancing to it. (I'm still in shock about that!) I've also just seen the Buena Vista Social Club film about Ry Cooder's trip to Cuba to pull that group together. I was very pleased to see some of the same people are also members of the Afro-Cuban All Stars: the great pianist Ruben Gonzalez, and 90+ year old vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer (who looks 70, if a day.) I can't wait to see them in person. Anyone who likes world music will love this CD. I guarantee it!

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this cd is the toast of cuban music!, November 18, 1999

By A Customer

i just received my cd A Toda Cuba Le Gusta today and i must say it's fantastic. the beat, the rhythm, the sound...it's incredible. and to think i never would have bought it had it not been for amazon's online reviews. i recommend this cd to anyone who is fan of cuban music. and to all those who are not. just one listen to this hot cd and you'll be converted for life! amazon, thanks for giving listeners a voice.