Search - Trio Tesis, Various Artists :: Cuadernos De La Habana

Leisurely and Lovely Musical Tour of Cuba

svf | 04/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No reviews of this set yet??? This is a truly wonderful and beautiful release in every sense: the music, the sound quality, the packaging, the concept, the artwork... once again, Winter & Winter provide the standard by which all others should be measured. This 5 disc "audio film" takes you on a panoramic and leisurely tour of Havana, Cuba through the music of the streets, the homes, the clubs, and the dance halls. Your tour guide is Italian poet and painter Mario Luis Malfatti, who also assembled the lavishly illustrated collage-style booklets within. The music, resembling "field recordings," was recorded on location and spontaneously. The quality of the sound is incredibly pristine, enhancing the effect of truly "being there."Among the many highlights of your journey will be the complex and jazzy sounds of Duo Cachiabache, a children's choir singing traditional melodies, the classically elegant "Contradanzas" performed at the home of pianist Andres Allen, the dreamy mood of Duo Sincopa, and the thundering percussion celebration of Tambores De Bejucal at the carnival. Throughout, we are treated to beautiful serenades and interludes played by pianist Frank Emilio Flynn performing Cuban and jazz standards. Also interspersed are the sounds of mechanical pianos, distant musicains down streets and alleys, and all the audiences, crowds, trains, cars, and birdsongs along the way. If you're looking for something much more than just another collection of Cuban music, you've finally found it. (And if you love this "Habana" experience, you should also check out the Winter & Winter CDs "Ra Da Bang," "Tango Vivo!" and "The Sidewalks of New York.")"