I have rated this CD at 4-stars rather than 5-stars for one reason only -- that it is (in parts) haunted by Ry Cooder's annoying and inappropriate slide guitar. Much as I appreciate Cooder's role in exposing Ibrahim Ferrer to the world outside of Cuba, his guitar work grates on my nerves. Despite Cooder's guitar, this CD rates as many stars as the midnight Montana sky can hold.
Of all the talented and loveable personalities surrounding the Buena Vista Social Club recordings, Ibrahim Ferrer remains my favorite for reasons beyond the music itself.
Ry Cooder describes him as "walking into the studio sounding like a Cuban Nat King Cole", but I disagree. His voice may share the soft, mellow quality of Cole's, but the similarity ends there. Just below the surface of Ferrer's gentle veneer is a fiery passion that leaves Nat King Cole (in my opinion) looking like Pat Boone with an overdose of skin bronzer!
My favorite tracks are "Bruca Manigua", "Mami Me Gusto", "Cienfuigos Tiene Su Guaguanco, and, of course, "Silencio". That said, I love every track on the album.
I strongly recommend that purchasers of this CD invest in a copy of the Buena Vista Social Club video (tape or DVD). The video documents the production of this CD and will GREATLY enhance your enjoyment of it, as the video includes recording sessions and background on the participants from their own mouths.
The video concludes with Ibrahim Ferrer standing on stage at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1998 to a wild standing ovation. He seems amazed at the reception, unable to comprehend what might have provoked it. This frail and humble man's extraordinary gift had been hidden from the world outside Cuba for decades. But thanks to the Buena Vista Social Club project, millions have fallen in love with this man and his music.
Nor is Ferrer the sole reason for all the excitement. Francisco Repilado (aka Compay Segundo), Ruben Gonzalez, Omara Portuondo, Eliades Ochoa, Orlando Lopez, Manuel Mirabal, Amadito Valdes, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez and many, many others add their unique talents to this bewitching brew.
It is a magical experience and, whether you understand Spanish or not, you are sure to be profoundly moved. If Ibrahim Ferrer can't move you, you have no soul.
