A Musical Mojito | Putumayo Presents: Cafe Cubano

Another Fine Anthology | Putumayo Presents: Cafe Cubano | Various Artists

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	• Putumayo Presents: Cafe Cubano Various Artists Putumayo World Music, 2008 average customer review:based on 3 reviews view larger image
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A very listenable, rewarding Cuban music collection

A mighty fine set of contemporary Cuban (and Cuban-style) music, spanning a decade from 1999-2008. Emigres are included as well as regional artists from across the island, younger artists and Buena Vista-style old-timers, large salsa bands and urgent acoustic balladeers, political singers and romantic traditionalists - it's a nice cross-section of music and very little of it veers into the slicker, poppier jazz terrain of the `80s-era bands such as Irakere, et. al. Most of these artists will be new to US listeners, and they'll be welcome as well, as this is an eminently listenable, engaging album. Another strong release from the pleasantly revitalized Putumayo label. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue music guide)

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A Musical Mojito

Putumayo's "Cafe Cubano" is the latest in the world music's cafe series,and so far,the best. While Italian&French Cafe are bland collections, the Cuban one is a savory blend of old and new music. The compilation is like a mojito-a cold limeade with the extra kick of rum. There's even a recipe--a mojito dipping sauce made with lime,lemon&orange juices.

"Cafe Cubano" opens with Jose Conde y Ola Fresca's "El Chacal",a jazzy critique of Che Guevara. Conde is an alum of Boston's Berklee College of Music, but one wonders if this song will go over well in nearby Cambridge, with its Proletarian thrift shop&its Communist-themed bar. Ignacio Carrillo's "Lagrimas Negras" is a melancholy ode to unrequited love. Pedro Luis Ferrer,a critic of the Cuban government,sings a duet with his daughter Lena that's hardly political. Lena Ferrer belts out "Ay,mi vidita" about giving in to love. Rene Ferrer's "Como a cada manana" is Cuban music meeting smooth R&B. The Magic Orchestra of Havana has a retro-style song with "Morenita." German Obregon's "Pincel Campesino" is a pastoral ode to country life. Armando Garzon's "Escandalo" is a savory Mexican bolero. Kelvis Ochoa's "Fue Una De Mambo" bridges the past and present. Ochoa blends retro-style mambo with reggae.

"Cafe Cubano" is a delicious album. Pour yourself a mojito on a hot summer evening and enjoy!

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Another Fine Anthology

Putumayo has been the megastar label for introductory anthologies of popular musics of the world, and almost all of its series deserve 4 or 5 stars. This latest work, in follow-up to the excellent and more historic and broad "Cuba" CD, is another winner, with focus on contemporary Cuban acoustic artists living within and beyond the island nation. Some selections have the classic urban Buena Vista Club son feel, while others emerge from the countryside with guajiras and trovas [troubadour songs]. Boleros are also included. The profoundly influential music of Cuba remains vital with new explorations, including some that tweak the ears of Cuban authorities. This collection is worthy for your ears and enjoyment.

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Café Cubano is a captivating collection that will transport listeners to the charming cafes of this musically-rich Caribbean island. The album features a selection of exceptional performers who have incorporated Cuba's diverse musical traditions and distinctive styles into their music. Several of the songs feature influences from the "nueva trova" movement, in which lyrical poetry is joined with Pan-American folk traditions. Others remain true to the sultry guajiras, romantic boleros and traditional sones which were the underpinning of the renowned Buena Vista Social Club recordings. Cuban music traces its roots back to the melodies of Europe and the rhythms of Africa, and the inspiring blend that resulted from years of interaction between these diverse cultures. While many of these artists are legends at home, the collection includes several who are virtually unknown outside of Cuba. Pedro Luis Ferrer has been writing and performing since the mid 1960's and remains an inspiration for younger generations of musicians. Félix Baloy came to fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist for Son 14, Orquesta Revé and other seminal ensembles. Armando Garzón, the Cuban-based tenor known by many as "The Black Angel with the Velvet Voice" specializes in the romantic ballads of the 1950s. The collection also features seven other noteworthy musicians who record and perform Cuban music in Havana and beyond.

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