Search - Mercedes Sosa :: 30 Anos

Deep & Devout

01/28/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While the fine points of south american politics may escape many, it is nearly impossible to mistake the voice of this once-exiled singer: she is all at once mighty, beneficent and tender. She is an army for the cause of the heart, with a smoky alto rooted deeply in the rhythms of the south. This album presents a gratifying breadth of her work, thematically diverse but carried throughout by the unwavering certainty of Mercedes' marvelous delivery ("Gracias A La Vida", her signature song, could make a diamond weep). This album transcends language barriers to reveal the glory of a woman whose art reverberates with the blood and suffering, majesty and hope of the human condition. It is music of power and grace, for the most part unbound by the commercialism of the day. The only break in this gratifying visit with Mercedes is "Unicornio", which sounds a bit like the product of a weekend with Yanni. Every other track on this album is alive with spirit and fervor, making this an excellent and fulfilling introduction to the long and fruitful career of this legendary performer. 30 Años is well worth your time."

30 Anos

Maximiliano F Yofre | 08/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard Mercedes first when I was waking up in the top loft of a mountain house in the central highlands of Nicaragua. The shutters were open and there was a cool and delicious wind sweeping through the house, and Ms. Sosa's powerful voice came in with that wind. For a moment I half-wondered if I had expired and gone somewhere even more superb than that excellent place. Hers is a sound which is elegant, universal, puissant, essential."

Mercedes Sosa: a Life Full of Songs!

Maximiliano F Yofre | Buenos Aires, Argentina | 10/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mercedes Sosa (1935) is one of the greatest Argentinean folk singer!

She jumped to public attention when she was fifteen years old winning a singer's radio contest in Tucuman, her natal Province. From that point on she continues growing up as a notorious figure in the folk singers medium.

Due to difficult political situation at Argentina in 1979 she was forced into exile by military Junta, revisited Argentina briefly in 1982, giving a live recital and returned definitely in 1984 with the arrival of democracy.



The songs of this CD reflect Mercedes' musical life, not only Argentinean music but a wide and rich Latin American repertoire.

"La Maza" from Cuban Silvio Rodriguez's repertoire interrogates the audience, in poetical language, about what will be songs & music without substance. It is sung with deep compromise by Mercedes.

"Maria, Maria" authored by Brazilians Milton Nascimento & Fernando Brant, with unmistakable afro rhythm is interpreted brilliantly by Sosa.

Chilean composer Violeta Parra contributes with a top notch composition: "Gracias a la Vida" with Mercedes giving way to all her sentiment.

"La Arenosa" whose text is authored by Manuel J. Castilla and music composed by Cuchi Leguizamon, two well known folklorists and traditional motive "Luna Tucumana" are compositions more in line with Mercedes' usual compilations.

"Alfonsina y el Mar" whose text is authored by Felix Luna and music composed by Ariel Ramirez, tells the tragic end of poet Alfonsina Storni. Mercedes give a pungent interpretation.



These are only some of the themes that compose this beautiful album. You shouldn't miss it by all means!

Reviewed by Max Yofre."