forerunner of the big-band salsa sound that is so popular today. Cuba - The Rough Guide to Cuba Son is a 17 track compilation that traces the tradition from its co...
Afro-Cubashould restore anyone's faith in it. And history underpins it: Cuban dance rhythms originated in Africa, were transported during the slave trade to Cuba, were brought back to Africa by liberated slaves in the 19th century, and were reappropriated by indigenous African musicians in the 20th century. And at every stage in the process they were enriched and embellished. Permeated by rumba and mbalax rhythms, this lovely compilation reflects an astonishing constancy of texture between groups recorded in Cuba and groups recorded in Africa, and its inclusion of some rare vintage stuff--the Septeto Nacional, Balla et Ses Balladins, and the "King of Highlife" ET Mensah--deepens its historical dimension. Stand-out tracks are from Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca--wailing trumpets over hurrying percussion--and the impish-voiced Carlos "Patato" Valdes. But we also get the intricate charms of Orchestra Baobab and the magnificent sound of Sierra Maestra, Cuba's finest son band. The notes are good, but why can't they give recording dates? So easy to do, so frustrating when omitted.--Michael Church
to Afro-Cuba should restore anyone's faith in it. And history underpins it: Cuban dance rhythms originated in Africa, were transported during the slave trade to Cuba, were brought back to Africa by liberated slaves in the 19th century, and were reappropriated by indigenous African musicians in the 20th century. And at every stage in the process they were enriched and embellished. Permeated by rumba and mbalax rhythms, this lovely compilation reflects an astonishing constancy of texture between groups recorded in Cuba and groups recorded in Africa, and its inclusion of some rare vintage stuff--the Septeto Nacional, Balla et Ses Balladins, and the "King of Highlife" ET Mensah--deepens its historical dimension. Stand-out tracks are from Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca--wailing trumpets over hurrying percussion--and the impish-voiced Carlos "Patato" Valdes. But we also get the intricate charms of Orchestra Baobab and the magnificent sound of Sierra Maestra, Cuba's finest son band. The notes are good, but why can't they give recording dates? So easy to do, so frustrating when omitted. --Michael Church
as the perfect introduction to the fascinating historical canvas behind the bunch of octogenarian Cuban stars who have taken the world by storm. But as the compiler points out, the selectivity required for one single album means a lot has had to be excluded--most notably, historical material of dubious sound-quality. But what we get is still richly historic, including Beny More leading his band in a 1950s mambo, a riveting number from Mario Bauza and a jazz version of "Laura" by Peruchin, one of the all-time piano greats. Along the way we get some fabulous jam sessions, a song about the splendour and misery of peasant life by the charismatic Guillermo Portables, and an unusually sedate number by Ibrahim Ferrer himself. The one track that stands out as different is called "Azucar Letal"--"Lethal Sugar"--sung by three young girls who are dedicated to doing something different (and they certainly do). Electro-Latino? Listen up!--Michael Church
acts as the perfect introduction to the fascinating historical canvas behind the bunch of octogenarian Cuban stars who have taken the world by storm. But as the compiler points out, the selectivity required for one single album means a lot has had to be excluded--most notably, historical material of dubious sound-quality. But what we get is still richly historic, including Beny More leading his band in a 1950s mambo, a riveting number from Mario Bauza and a jazz version of "Laura" by Peruchin, one of the all-time piano greats. Along the way we get some fabulous jam sessions, a song about the splendour and misery of peasant life by the charismatic Guillermo Portables, and an unusually sedate number by Ibrahim Ferrer himself. The one track that stands out as different is called "Azucar Letal"--"Lethal Sugar"--sung by three young girls who are dedicated to doing something different (and they certainly do). Electro-Latino? Listen up! --Michael Church
Cuba - The Rough Guide To Cuban Son [ECD] - Various Artists
Main specs
Title: Cuba - The Rough Guide To Cuban Son [ECD]
Performer: Various Artists
Genre: World Music
Sub Genre: Cuban Son
Release Date: 25/04/2000
Original Release Year: 2000
Label / Distributor: World Music Network / New Note/Pinnacle
Producer: Phil Stanton (Compilation)
Pieces in Set: 1
Studio / Live: Studio
Stereo: Stereo
Format: Collection
EAN: 605633104622
Additional notes
Album Notes: This is an Enhanced audio CD which contains regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Album Reviews: Dirty Linen (4-5/01, p.81) - "...They not only show the incredible diversity that exists in the music of the world, but they are a classy job in other respects....containing extensive liner notes and high-quality music..."
Titles on disc 1
1.: En Guantanamo - Septeto Nacional De Ignacio Pineiro
Advantages: Great music, ethical purpose Disadvantages: none
...This has to be one of my most played albums since I bought it 2 months ago. I listen to Chill FM on the internet and they had been playing this funky Cuban version of Coldplays Clocks a couple of times. I searched and searched to find out who had done it and after a week or so came up with this - Rhythms Del Mundo by the Buena Vista Social Club.
"I knew it was them" I said to myself! Anyway, I bought it straight away just on the strength of that one track and was very pleased by all the other tracks on the Album. Not only have the Buena Vista Social Club given the Cuban treatment to Coldplay, but also to tracks by Sting, Arctic Monkeys, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5 and Kaiser Chiefs.
Buena Vista's ability to revamp these modern favorites in such a funky Cuban style is excellent. Perfect evening music for entertaining friends. Its certainly...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Diversity, all styles covered Disadvantages: incohesive, Wattsville Blues
...Which is what the Manics knew when they titled their uncompromising follow up to the awards and sales showered 98 set, This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours. However, as always, success carries many critics, and the melancholia on TIMTTMY was misinterpereted into stadium seekers, so the band felt a 'return' to their roots was in order. Out with Hoovers, in with Robeson and Marx!
The album was initially released amongst a well publisized Cuban excursion, taking in a gig for, and meeting with, Fidel Castro. Found That Soul, one of two initial singles released on the same day, is Manics at their core, the riffy, dirtyness of 3 minutes of rock power had been missed since the early days. Ocean Spray abruptly stops the party, however it as a beautiful ode to James Dean Bradfield's Mother, featuring his lyric writing debut. Intravenous Agnostic kicks...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Amazing melodies and profound beautiful lyrics Disadvantages: Absolutely none
...Silvio Rodriguez is known in Latin America simply as Silvio.
This alone goes to show the status he has reached in his beloved America Latina.
"Cuba Classics" or "Canciones Urgentes" (Urgent Songs) is usually the album of his that you will find more readily in Britain. However, you can order most of them from amazon.co.uk. This one costs £11.99.
****************************************
Silvio Rodriguez Dominguez is a Cuban; a Cuban of the Revolution. Many will find that a put off, sadly few people really understand the Cuban Revolution and only heed what the media say about it, but that is a different topic. I urge you to pay more attention to the artistic side of his though, for his melodic music is simply matchless and for those who understand Spanish, his lyrics are pure poetry...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
helpful 13.08.2005
(08.11.2005)
Compare Cuba - The Rough Guide To Cuban Son [ECD] - Various Artists to other similar World
Similar products and search queries by other users
Cuba Cuban, Cuba The Cuban, Cuba Rough Cuban, Cuba Guide Cuban, Cuba To Cuban, Cuba The Rough Cuban, Cuba The Guide Cuban, Cuba The To Cuban, Cuba Rough Guide Cuban, Cuba Rough To Cuban, Cuba Guide To Cuban, Cuba The Rough Guide Cuban, Cuba The Rough To Cuban, Cuba The Guide To Cuban, Cuba Rough Guide To Cuban
Are you the manufacturer / provider of Cuba - The Rough Guide To Cuban Son [ECD] - Various Artists? Click here
![Cuba - The Rough Guide To Cuban Son [ECD] - Various Artists](http://images.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/normal/706/product-5866706.jpg)
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
17.02.2007
14.04.2006
13.08.2005
