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Rating: After going through a series of economic and political problems "caused" also by the success of "Buena Vista Social Club", the artistic life of the legendary guitarist nevertheless continued undeterred in his musical quest, also aimed at recovering and appreciating many "minor" musical genres. I definitely do not want to delve into political considerations, both because it does not seem the "right place" to start a possible discussion, and because I lack the necessary historical information. I would just like to write that in the end, despite everything, the only certainty that remains is the music.
This album (produced by Ry) may appear deceptively simple at first listen, while in reality, it is full of details and precious instrumental "embellishments". Ry is joined by guitarist M Galbán who also contributed to the success of the well-known Cuban group Los Zafiros. Additionally, the album features instrumentalists with incredible technical prowess. The musicians are: Jim Keltner and Joachim Cooder (Ry’s son) on drums, Miguel "Anga" Díaz (congas), Orlando "Cachaíto" López (bass), Gregorio Hernández Rios "Goyo.", Maximino Duquesne Martínez, Marcos H Scull, Yosvani Díaz (Bata Drums), Herb Alpert (trumpet) and Juliette & Carla Commagere (Choir).
At times, this album recalls the chords of D Reinhardt and certain music from the '40s and '50s. The music is suffused with warm and sensual sounds that convey an incredible joy to the listener. The two guitars often blend and harmonize perfectly. The artistic understanding of the musicians is almost perfect and thus allows them to reach great heights of musical "ecstasy" which are conveyed uninhibitedly to the listener.
Twelve tracks for a total of about fifty minutes. The arrangement of the tracks is excellent; in fact, more meditative and relaxing tracks such as "Bodas De Oro", "La Luna En Tu Miranda" and "Secret Love" alternate with faster and more rhythmic ones like "Los Twangueros" and "Caballo Viejo". The title track is as short as it is successful both compositionally and creatively. The vocal inserts by the two backing singers are effective and incisive, as talented as they are beautiful... It's impossible not to mention "Patricia", unforgettable from the first listen. "Echale Salsita" is a subdued piece, musically calibrated to perfection. "Bolero Sonámbulo" is mysterious and fascinating, always highlighting the guitars of Ry and Manuel. In this track, Galbán also plays the piano extremely convincingly. Nonetheless, all the tracks are excellent, and it is really challenging for me to find the most exciting one.
More than being described, this album must be listened to. The audio quality of the recording is excellent. The metallized cardboard slipcase depicting a detail of the 1959 Cadillac, a car widely found in Cuba, is also stunning. The booklet, full of sepia-toned monochromatic photos of the various musicians, is more than satisfactory.
A simply phenomenal album like few others I have had the chance to listen to in my life.
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