Search - Various Artists :: Nicaragua Presente! Music From Nicaragua Libre

Music with a heart

Aqua Maureen | Minneapolis, KS United States | 08/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I opened this CD and found that John McCutcheon was the producer/compiler, I figured I'd probably like it. The music did not disappoint. From the quietly intense love song "Sembrar la vida" to the triumphal Sandinista "Sin contemplaciones," from a charming and lilting tribute to a hometown, "Esteli," to the lively celebration of something as quotidian as pottery in "Alfareras del campo," these are songs with a HEART--for a person, a town, a landscape, a people, a nation's dreams. Back in the '80s, when I was a Central America activist and total Sandinista supporter, I would have been even crazier about this album. Now, after having been disillusioned with the Sandinista government and especially Daniel Ortega, the hostility in the blatantly anti-U.S. songs makes me uncomfortable. Still, there's no denying the momentous achievement of the Nicaraguan people in finally toppling the Somoza dictatorship, and the exultation in the singers' voices brings back memories of a triumphal time. Too bad those memories must now be tempered with knowledge of the Sandinista government's betrayal of many of the Nicaraguan people's deepest values, especially as regards their Christian faith. Which raises another consideration. Why are there no songs of faith or of victory in Christ included in this collection? The Nicaraguans are a very religious people, are they not? I see the lack of any faith-centered songs as a serious omission. Nevertheless, the music is fabulous. Along with the sheer diversity of voices, textures, themes and moods, the pure, fresh, from-the-heart quality of the music makes this a CD that bears many repeated listenings. I've been listening to it every day for weeks and have yet to tire of it! Another reason I love this CD is that I am learning Spanish, and music is a very enjoyable way to learn. Lyrics in both Spanish and English are provided, so you can figure out what it is they're singing--and then sing (and dance) along!"

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

Y. MEDINA | 09/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this Cd since the first song to the last one. Starting with "morena hermosa" a marimba-backed son that invites to a dance. "Solentiname" a song which describes the military aggresions of the contras, this is the USA, towards Nicaraguan comunities.

Now that the WTC tragedy is going on and that the USA society is angry and sad they all must hear and read on "LOS NIÃ`OS DE AYAPAL" a song dedicated to a group of Ayapal children who were killed by the contras while flying.

Woman was very important in the Sandinista revolution "LAS ALFAFERAS DEL CAMPO" or "AY MUJER". Songs with love and intelligence.

¡Viva Sandino y viva Nicaragua, carajo :)!"

A great mix

elpaceno72 | 01/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've played this CD at least weekly since I found it in 1992 and it never fails to cheer me. Whatever you think of the ideology behind the Nicaraguan revolution (personally, I have no very clear idea what the ideology was -- and don't know Spanish) the ballads are beautiful to listen to. And anyone who can listen to the first song on this CD without getting up and dancing around the room must have a heart of stone."