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Avg: 4.5 (15 ratings)
- Date Released: January 1, 1959
- Genre: International
- Style: Latin
- Label: Legacy International / IODA
Havana's king of the Tropicana — and of the recording studio.
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We Say...
The best big band that you might have heard in Havana in the years preceding and, briefly, following the Revolution, was arguably Bebo’s. Born in 1918, he’s lived in Sweden since the mid '60s, but in Havana he was the king of the Tropicana and of the recording studio. (He played piano when Nat “King” Cole came to Havana to record.) He was one of the inventors of the mambo. And, though there are many contenders, one of the best Cuban orchestrators ever. The quality — both the playing and the recording — of this album is astounding.
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They Say...
This 1959 compilation of the maestro, Bebo Valdés, was recorded in Havana by Everest Records. The sound quality is exceptional since the stereo masters were used. With the onslaught of Cuban music, many CDs were released with less than dynamic sound reproduction. It is satisfying to hear the vibrant bottom and midrange in these classic recordings. These choice tracks were recorded just before the great pianist fled Cuba in hopes that the regime and his exile would be short-lived. Music trumps politics, so these great arrangements of the legendary pianist provide a peek back to a glorious golden era. The orchestra is in top form and so is the maestro. This is an integral part of the mother lode of the Cuban big-band sound. There's plenty of drive and percussion in the cha chas and mambos to move the dustiest of shoes and hips. With all due respect to the revival spurred by Ry Cooder, gems like this album are some of the original fountains that flowed during the heyday of Cuban big bands. This album stands on its own and is timeless in its appeal. Highly recommended.
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| 01. |  |
Babalu |
2:53 |
|
| 02. | |
Cha Cha #1 |
2:38 |
|
| 03. | |
El Cumbanchero |
2:40 |
|
| 04. | |
Habana |
2:46 |
|
| 05. | |
A Quien Engañes |
3:29 |
|
| 06. | |
Ita Morreal |
2:36 |
|
| 07. | |
El Manisero |
2:38 |
|
| 08. | |
Cha Cha #3 |
3:10 |
|
| 09. | |
La Feria De Los Siglos |
3:28 |
|
| 10. | |
Aquellos Ojos Verdes |
3:04 |
|
| 11. | |
Sasauma |
2:20 |
|
| 12. | |
Tu Bien Sabes Que Te Quiero |
2:33 |
|
12 Total Tracks, 34:15 Total Length
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Playlists If you like Bebo Valdes, check out these member playlists
Credits
- Paul Klein - Reissue Producer // Aldo Venturacci - Art Direction // Roger Kash - Project Coordinator // Michael Lauzardo - Graphic Design
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