Search - Edmundo Ros :: Broadway Goes Latin / Hollywood Cha Cha Cha

Engaging Cha Cha Cha and stylish Big Band with a latin beat

P. J. Wallace | East Yorkshire, UK | 12/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two rather different albums make up this Edmundo Ros CD. The first, "Hollywood Cha Cha Cha", dating from 1959 features 12 famous film melodies predominantly from the 1950s. Each number is tastefully transformed into a cha cha cha with some lovely touches such as the accordion in "The Moulin Rouge theme" conjuring up a Parisian setting and the harp in "Three Coins In A Fountain". "Around The World" was originally composed as a waltz while "As Time Goes By" started off as a foxtrot in 1931 (later revived and made more famous in the classic movie "Casablanca") ; and yet both are successfully adapted to this famous Latin dance. "Hollywood Cha Cha Cha" is clearly a dance album, but one which is very easy to listen to.



"Broadway Goes Latin", from 1964, is more designed for the listener. The arranger, Johnny Keating, gives this album a big band feel and sound. However the wonderful Ros rhythm section keeps the orchestra in Latin mode while the other musicians rise to the excellent orchestrations. Edmundo takes a couple of the vocals. Decca's creative use of stereo can be witnessed on "The Sound Of Money" where the cash register is heard through the speaker on the left while Edmundo's voice comes from the right. Later in the same song Edmundo carries the melody from the right speaker while countering from the left - an experimental duet! More disconcertingly Edmundo alternates between speakers in his vocal on "My Favourite Things". In those days Decca used the stereo process to enhance the record buyers' pleasure through the separation of instruments and sections. The effect is highly enjoyable and maximised as the sound quality is as clear as the proverbial bell.



It is difficult to pick out outstanding tracks from this brilliant selection, but I thought "Comes Once In A Lifetime" one of the best "big band" recordings I have ever heard. The musicianship is flawless, the arrangement beautifully worked out, and the performance is incredibly stylish. If that weren't enough, I don't think I've ever heard a more dramatic version of "Give My Regards To Broadway".



Vocalion have reproduced the original sleeve notes from "Broadway Goes Latin" and have included a splendid colour photo of Edmundo fronting his band. It puts the finishing touches to this absolutely wonderful CD.

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