Buena Vista Social Club Presents Ibrahim Ferrer
Juan de Marcos' Afro Cuban All Stars / Distinto, diferente
(World Circuit/Nonesuch)

April/May 2000
By Steven M. Miller

If you are one of the few who hasn't seen the film Buena Vista Social Club, you might be forgiven for not recognizing Ibrahim Ferrer. Imagine an incredibly hip Lawrence Welk Orchestra backing one of the smoothest, silkiest Latin voices ever. Sound corny? Think again. Orchestrated ballads and dance numbers in a variety of traditional Cuban styles are the perfect vehicle for this most retro of contemporary musics. Like the photos of modern-day Havana filled with great American vintage autos, Ferrer's new recording of classic Cuban songs of the '30s, '40s and '50s is simultaneously a thoroughly modern and hopelessly old-fashioned blend of style, substance, and life experience. It is at once refreshingly new and comfortably reassuring-foreign and exotic, with just the right touch of the familiar.

From the mid-tempo opener "Bruca Manigu." to the more sedate closer, "Como Fue," the 21-piece orchestra of horns, strings, and rhythm section provides the appropriate setting for Ferrer and other guest vocalists to shine. But make no mistake, the focus is mainly Ferrer's own classic crooner style of vocal delivery. He never seems to strain, never pushes too hard. Rather, he gently coaxes the music along, creating a lush, yet energetic concoction that is oh so Cuban. No need to hurry, no need to fuss. This is, after all, the land of rum and cigars; the birthplace of Afro-Latin rhythms so well blended into American popular music over the last century. Standouts include the sad song of lost love, "Herido de Sombras," which pairs Ferrer with a quartet of female backing vocalists; "Aquellos Ojos Verdes," featuring a sultry sax solo; and "Silencio," which showcases the masterful guitar work of American Ry Cooder, who produced the disc.

Buena Vista Social Club seems to have spawned a number of recordings (six at last count) of excellently produced and performed music of the Cuban big-band variety. Known in Cuba as son (literally, song) and guajira (Cuba's version of country music) these traditional styles are, for the most part, presented unadulterated.

One new development, however, with a more overtly danceable, up-to-date sound, is the Afro Cuban All Stars' sophomore outing, Distinto, diferente. Take the cream of the crop of Cuban musicians and singers, give them a handful of well-crafted tunes and arrangements in which to stretch out and let loose, and you have the makings of a musical experience of the highest order-a recording on which top-flight musicians run down classic and contemporary songs in high style. Like their debut recording, A Toda Cuba le Gusta, this new disc captures the timeless spirit of Afro-Cuban dance music, this time with an even more crisp, up-tempo, contemporary sound.

The recent resurgence of American interest in Cuban music not withstanding, there has always been a steady presence of Afro-Latin influence in the popular American music of the 20th century. From rock & roll to jazz, the rhythms and instruments of Afro-Latin music have been there all along. It's no wonder then that the All Stars can gather four generations of the best musicians Cuba has to offer and put together a disc that effortlessly demonstrates all that is appealing in Cuban dance music. Tight ensemble work, rolling and syncopated rhythms, lush strings, and punchy horns are all here in abundance. The vocal work, both solo and in chorus, doesn't slouch either. Each of the songs showcases the improvisational talents of vocalists and instrumentalists alike. "Al vaivèn de mi carreta" features, in turn, voice, piano, and flute. The lyrics of the title track call for updating the traditions of Cuban music to produce something "unique, different." "Gandinga, mondongo y sandunga" is a quirky jazz instrumental with solos on piano, trombone, trumpet, and timbales (drums), while "Warariansa" is a traditional religious chant with percussion accompaniment.

As an introduction to contemporary popular Afro-Cuban dance music with a classic flair, you could hardly go wrong with Distinto, diferente. It respectfully updates the classic dance-band sound while preserving its original energy and spirit.