Que Musica Suave y Rico!!
plum_village | Border to Border | 03/02/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"These are very good records (CDs now), recorded about 1978; but it is in Castro's Cuba; it is somewhat a Cultural Crossover, from the U.S., a lot of good music here, depending on your politics, you may not believe, such a joint venture, should have been attempted or you may have been for it. Whatever, your feelings, I hope to some extent the music can speak for itself. For Jazz, Salsa, these discs, can not help but be of some importance, I will address this, amazon dot com, is only remiss in their listing, in not listing what performers are involved on these CDs.The first cut is Black Market by Weather Report, you know, that release, with the same title by Weather Report has Haitian primitive art on it; This rendition smokes by Weather Report.Sara Gonzales, in this album, does a number, "Su Nombre Es Pueblo" your name is the people; excellence continues, even if this is a bit of a socialistic theme, do not miss if it interests you, this Cuban singer. Because all of this art in these discs, is still during the era of the Iron Curtain.The CBS Jazz Allstars appear, Project "S" and "Black Stockings" being notable contributions.Disc 2, features the playing of Orquesta Aragon, this has to be one of the landmark names, of Cuban Music, going back to Pre-Castro times, a tradition in Caribean music, another highlight.Trio of Doom includes, John McGlaughlin, Weather Report bassist Jaco Pastorius, Tony Williams on Drums, Completists may wish to get this album. More Cuban music is found, in Juan Pachanga by the Fania Allstars, more Cuban music. This discs, gives a taste for the Cuba island; American as well.I listed the Jazz highlights, why this disc is of importance;But other parts on this disc, have Kris Kristofferson singing "Living Legend", though to me, this doesn't appear outright Pro-Castro, he does sing in one part, "en the Sierra Maestra" and this is where Castro and Guevara spent a good part of their time, during the Revolution, as Guerrilas. The song is in English.Truly enjoyable, is Rita Coolidge singing (Your love is taking me) "Higher and Higher".Irakere provides a touch of Classical; Stephen Stills sings in Spanis as well; he being from Texas, may have some background in this area.Music Wise, Havana Jam 1 is more diverse musically, than 2; which is oriented to instrumentals, mainly Jazz and leaves out the big star names.I 5 star it, but find such a pretty penny to be charging for this disc, at near $50 that I lower it a star, I'd be hard pressed to fork over anymore than in the high $20s for this."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1