7 posts tagged “world”

During the summer of 1999, I grew obsessed with record label World Circuit.... that was the year Buena Vista Social Club was released.  I followed the entire clan of Ry Cooder, Ibrahim Ferrer, Omara Portuondo, the Afro Cuban All-Stars and countless others. I bought every single record released under that label ... not too long after Buena Vista became part of my everyday musical life -  Orchestra Baobab came in with unwavering greatness that I had no other choice but to fall in love with their very distinct Senegal sound. 

Since that time - World music has become a very strong category in my personal music library.  And the men of Orchestra Baobab will remain a permanent fixture in that portion of my melodic heart.

*In other news, spring has arrived in Los Angeles... this tune seems like a perfect way to welcome the warm weather.

... it wasn't cuban music playing at that loft party we were at that evening, but this song just seems to work with all their smiles. i love all the tracks in this album - and listening to it this saturday morning is making me happy. looking at that photo has the same effect...

hmm... maybe its time we go out and shake our behinds to some live latin.

Happy Thanksgiving and a good morning to everyone.

I know this may not be very appropriate thanksgiving holiday music.. but Ibrahim has been on my mind and player all week.  And hey, he's such a classic.  and the other day on npr as I was driving into work ... All Things Considered did a spot on the Buena Vista Social Club.  And how most of the songs produced and sung by the members of Buena Vista are not actually owned by them.  The real owner of the copyright to their songs remains a mystery to this day. Most Cuban singers in the late 30s and 40s were not aware and not properly informed of their legal rights as musicians.. and with the rise in power of Fidel Castro in the late 50s ... their importance in the world of music and art in their country was on its way to extinction....

However, in 1999 - Buena Vista came out with a documentary that pretty much propelled the 14-member ensemble into international stardom.  Allowing youngsters like me - to discover their sound and fall in love with every song they've released...

I guess Ibrahim and the Buena Vista's success is a testament that good music can never be hidden from the world - somehow it will make its way into the ears of those that eat, breathe, sleep ... music. and in their case, great music.