Buena Vista Social Club

Thankfully, Ry Cooder preserved for us and brought the world's attention to these musical legends. Unfortuately, some of them have now since passed. I bought this live recording after viewing the DVD about the making of the studio recording. This CD captures the energy and fine musicianship of these wonderful Cuban musicians. Great listening while you drive to work or on a Saturday afternoon. Watch the DVD and I am sure it will whet your appetite and pique your interest into being able to experience the beauty of this culture and it's music.Buena Vista Social Club At Carnegie Hall(2 CD)

Fortunately, for all of us, this recording will assure the legacy and memory of the music and performance of those performers that magical night at Carnegie Hall who, within a short time after, left this life.

The Buena Vista Social Club creates a musical experience that transcends time and place. They are icons of Latin music. If you are already a fan, this is a must have cd set for the event's historical value. For new listeners, BVSC is not for those seeking the pulsing beats of modern salsa. The rhythms and vocals of this cd are slower paced, smooth and sensual. The music still captures and moves, but ones response generates in the soul. BVSC is for the sophisticated listener who appreciates musical finesse and artistry.

From the 5 star rating this CD got in the Rolling Stone magazine, and all the great reviews from folks on Amazon, I was expecting a really hot, jamming salsa CD, I bought 3 online for gifts...to bad I was disappointed. The music is old and slow, not at all what I was expecting...shame on me for not listening to the previews before purchasing...don't make the same mistake...this music is a bunch of old people, performing old tunes...

Ever since I saw the documentary, I always wondered if the concert at Carnegie Hall, NY had been recorded. Well, it was and boy is it nice to have it. You bet 'ya!

Thankfully, Ry Cooder preserved for us and brought the world's attention to these musical legends. Unfortuately, some of them have now since passed. I bought this live recording after viewing the DVD about the making of the studio recording. This CD captures the energy and fine musicianship of these wonderful Cuban musicians. Great listening while you drive to work or on a Saturday afternoon. Watch the DVD and I am sure it will whet your appetite and pique your interest into being able to experience the beauty of this culture and it's music.Buena Vista Social Club At Carnegie Hall(2 CD)

Fortunately, for all of us, this recording will assure the legacy and memory of the music and performance of those performers that magical night at Carnegie Hall who, within a short time after, left this life.

The Buena Vista Social Club creates a musical experience that transcends time and place. They are icons of Latin music. If you are already a fan, this is a must have cd set for the event's historical value. For new listeners, BVSC is not for those seeking the pulsing beats of modern salsa. The rhythms and vocals of this cd are slower paced, smooth and sensual. The music still captures and moves, but ones response generates in the soul. BVSC is for the sophisticated listener who appreciates musical finesse and artistry.

From the 5 star rating this CD got in the Rolling Stone magazine, and all the great reviews from folks on Amazon, I was expecting a really hot, jamming salsa CD, I bought 3 online for gifts...to bad I was disappointed. The music is old and slow, not at all what I was expecting...shame on me for not listening to the previews before purchasing...don't make the same mistake...this music is a bunch of old people, performing old tunes...

Ever since I saw the documentary, I always wondered if the concert at Carnegie Hall, NY had been recorded. Well, it was and boy is it nice to have it. You bet 'ya!

Joyful, sexy, playful, heartfelt... this is an amazing collection recorded just in time to preserve this special blending of fabulous musicians from Cuba. I listen to it all the time and share it with friends.

I remember watching the movie PERFORMANCE in Cambridge Mass back in '69 or '70 and being enthralled with the sountrack. I, of course, went to the flick to see Mick Jagger in his first movie role. But I came out wondering how I missed what a great slide guitat player Keith Richards was, but quietly knowing that it was not he wearing the Sherry glass. Ever the researcher, I found Ry Cooder: been a fan ever since. I'm sorry but fan is just not the word. I've been stalking Ryland long before there was a word for it. Met him in the crowd at the Jazz Fest during the Ali Fakre Toure sessions, my wife catching us in the mirrors, and was actually able to talk with him - ask a couple ??? about the new band with Keltner, Lowe and Hiatt and I felt like I was in the Cat-Bird Seat. Always wondered what he was working t'wards with all those LP's all the world music stuff and then Fate handed him his due: The Buena Vista Social Club. The musical equivalent of AA: be patient and help another drunk, or in this case another musician. He got to help and be helped. Tremendous album, music that should not be missed at any cost. Well thanks for letting me put this down. chuck

Imagine that a tropical island lies less than 100 miles from the coast of Florida. Imagine that on this island live the Spanish equivalents of Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Chuck Berry. Imagine that 40 years ago this island nation was taken over by a militant dictator and that these musicians were not heard outside of their island for decades.

You don't have to imagine since it all happened.

Besides being a great guitarist, Ry Cooder is perhaps as valuable to the world as an arranger, producer and discoverer of fertile musical ground. Invited on a trip (through Mexico) to Havana, he was amazed to discover that many of the legendary performers of the old Buena Vista Social Club were still alive and performing vibrant music. With the weight of Mr. Cooder these Cuban All-Stars gathered for an historic six day recording session. The velvety-voiced Ibrahim Ferrer is joined by 70-ish "Fiancee of Feeling" Omara Portuondo and fiery Compay Segundo. The group is anchored by bass virtuoso Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez. The sound is built around the expert piano work of Ruben Gonzalez, blending his classical training with the seductive rhythms of Havana.

Many of these brilliant musicians have passed since this 1997 recording, but as a result most were able to tour the world, bringing their musical diplomacy to Carnegie Hall, Amsterdam, Spain, France, Reykjavik...

We are indebted to these musicians, and to Ry Cooder for finding these lost treasures.

The two CDs recently purchased featuring the Buena Vista Social Club of Cuba are among my favourites. The opening number, Chan Chan, has a hypnotic rhythm which makes me want to play it over and over. The musicians who feature on this CD are outstanding. Ibrahim Ferrer (now deceased) had a voice like dripping honey.

It was just greatly fortuitous that Ry Cooder managed to track these people down in Cuba and record a number of CDs with them before several passed away.

Listen to the sample tracks and decide for yourselves!

Great collection by Ry Cooder, some have already left the planet now. Lost music and musicians.