REVIEW

Music Review: Juan Pablo Torres - Romantic Cuba

Written by Big Geez
Published July 02, 2007
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The last 8 selections on the album were recorded a few years later, and were the result of Torres deciding to form his own smaller group, Algo Nuevo, with several of his musical friends. His own playing is much more in evidence here, and he also changed focus a little, as most of these cuts are for the Súper-Son dance form. The music is much lighter in tone and livelier than the first bunch, with occasional vocalizations, clapping hands, and a more spontaneous feel. The Latin beat is also kicked up several notches, with congas and other drums taking over a lot of the rhythm.

In this group we also see the appearance of several well-known Latin standards, such as "Bésame Mucho" and "Malagueña", but with a fiery pace to their arrangements that provides something new. Good stuff. My favorite of this group was probably "Chimbombo". It's a spirited piece filled with infectious percussive play.

Simply put, I liked this album a lot. It's not only an enjoyable listening experience, but it also evokes the spirit of the era of big band Latin music. (And it's a double too!) Highly recommended.

1. Si Te Contara [Bolero]
2. Añorado Encuentro [Bolero]
3. Sí, Déjame Mirarte [Bolero]
4. Mangle [Bolero Tropical]
5. Pequeña Serenata Diurna [Canción]
6. Cuenta Conmigo [Bolero]
7. Terrible Sueño [Bolero]
8. Y Es Verdad [Bolero]
9. En Los Días Invernales [Bolero]
10. Tonada N° 1 [Bolero Cha]
11. ¿Por Qué No Te Besé? [Bolero]
12. Encuéntrate [Bolero]
13. Malagueña [Súper-Son]
14. Bésame Mucho [Súper-Son]
15. Chimbombo [Súper-Son]
16. Para Vigo Me Voy/Frenesí/El Bodeguero [Súper-Son]
17. Siboney [Súper-Son]
18. Son Naciente [Súper-Son]
19. Dame un Traguito [Súper-Son]
20. Cumbanchero/Drume Negrita/El Manisero [Súper-Son]

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The Big Geez is a retiree who takes time off from trimming ear hair to write about music -- sometimes doing conventional reviews, but often just sharing his opinions about how something resonates with his memories and those of his generation. You can read more of his faux pearls of wisdom at the Geezer Music Club.
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Romantic Cuba Romantic Cuba
Juan Pablo Torres
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Music Review: Juan Pablo Torres - Romantic Cuba
Published: July 02, 2007
Type: Review
Section: Music
Filed Under: Music: Latin
Writer: Big Geez
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Comments

#1 — July 5, 2007 @ 21:42PM — Michael J. West [URL]

Geez, reading this review made something very rare happen: my mouth actually, physically watered at the prospect of hearing the disc. I can't heap higher praise on a music review than that. ;-)

#2 — July 6, 2007 @ 00:53AM — Big Geez [URL]

Thanks, Michael - not to get all gushy, but coming from someone I admire makes it extra special.

I can't say that it made my mouth water, but I felt like I was in one of those old movies -- maybe Weekend In Havana, with Cesar Romero and Carmen Miranda. Waaaay before your time, but you get my drift.

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