Celia Cruz and Friends: A Night of Salsa [LIVE]

Celia Cruz

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 8, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 8, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Rmm Records
• ASIN: B00004L8EN
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,622 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #61 in	Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Cuba > Salsa
  #77 in	Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Cuba > Mambo
  #94 in	Music > Latin Music > Tropical > Merengue

Track Listings

1. Mi Vida Es Cantar

2. Dicha Mia

3. Vida Es un Carnaval

4. Celia y Tito

5. Medley Siboney/Babalu/El Cumbachero

6. Azucar Negra

7. Usted Abuso

8. Voz de la Experiencia

9. Guaba

10. Quimbara

11. Cúcala

12. Benba Colora - Rafael Hernández

13. Guantanamera - Rafael Hernández

Editorial Reviews

From Rhythm Magazine

Celia's "friends" at this 1999 tribute concert are Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco and La India. The direction and production are as smooth as they get, and Cruz herself introduces each cut in her mellifluous Cuban accent: Even when she's talking, it sounds like she's singing. Her extraordinary voice is now lower and even more resonant than in her youth.Particularly stirring is her cover of the bittersweet Cuban mega-hit "La Vida Es un Carnival." Cruz's duet with La India, "La Voz de Experiencia," manages to outdo the original studio version; the salsa princess' obvious ecstasy at sharing the stage with La Reina adds some real spice. Of course, there are the old standards, including a medley of "Babalu," "Siboney" and "El Cumbachera," the raucous "Quimbara," "Usted Abuso" and an improvised version of "Guantanamera" featuring the entire cast. Celia sings her trademark "Bemba Colora" better and better over the years; here it's a veritable incantation, with her voice backed sparely by piano, light percussion and a shadowy chorus.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars La Reina de la Salsa/The Queen of Salsa, September 23, 2000

By	Luis Hernandez (New York, New York, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In one of her most memorable stage concerts, Celia Cruz along with the help of some famous friends celebrate the world of Salsa music in pure splendor. "Celia Cruz & Friends: A Night of Salsa" is a PBS-produced special that features Celia performing for a sold-out crowd in Hartford, Connecticut. Performing many of her classics, including her trademark song, "Guantanamera," Celia is joined on stage by the late, great Tito Puente, who along with a full Latin orchestra rocks the house by all means necessary. My favorite song, "La Vida es un Carnaval" showcases Celia's ability to stir a crowd with her earthly vocals, her passion for salsa, and her strong cultural ties with the salsa music communities in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and New York. This song will blow anyone away! Trust me!

Later in the program, she is joined on stage by her longtime friend and duet partner, Johnny Pacheco, and by La India, who is known to many as the "Princess of Salsa." This performance, which was the final time Celia and Tito performed before his death in May 2000, is not only a fitting tribute to Celia, but to Tito, who Celia has admired and loved since he helped her reach international stardom upon her arrival to New York after she left Cuba shortly after the Cuban Revolution of 1959. Celia never forgets those who helped her in the past and she graciously gives accolades to all the Puerto Rican artists who always were there for her.

Celia is a true diva. Her choice of costumes and wigs has made her somewhat of a Latina Tina Turner, and her stage persona can't be matched even today. "Celia Cruz & Friends: A Night of Salsa" will provide you with an exciting, rhythm-filled performance that all with enjoy. There are no language barriers when it comes to music appreciation and Celia and friends will validate this statement entirely!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of her best works yet!!!, September 2, 2003

By	Vic (East Windsor,NJ) - See all my reviews

I love this album. I just picked it up and i could not stop listening to it. Her voice is none like the others. She has been probably the best sensation in latin music history. Her death was a sad day for those who cherished and love her music. She will always live on in our hearts. This album will have you on your feet dancing in no time. BUY IT!!!! IT'S THE BEST!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish there were more stars to give!, August 6, 2001

By A Customer

Plain and simple, this album blew me away! If you are a fan of live music, a fan of salsa, and most importantly a fan of La Reina, then this is a must for your collection. Nowhere will you find a tighter, more energetic band, and Ms. Cruz (Dr. Cruz in some circles) is at her interpretive best. Her guests are also quite remarkable and all give memorable, enjoyable performances - her longtime collaborator and stage buddy Johnny Pacheco, La India, her husband Pedro Knight and the late, truly great Tito Puente, El Rey de Timbales. All of the songs are great, but I particularly love Usted Abuso, La Vida Es En Carnaval, Guantanamera and Cucala. BUY THIS CD - Long live the Queen of Salsa!