Havana Cafe

Amazon.com's Best of 1999
With festive energy, Havana Cafe shines brightly among the Cuban gems of 1999. Veteran guests Ibrahim Ferrer, Frank Emilio, and Omara Portuondo wowed us with their experienced ways while singers Victor Villa and Nilso Arias seduced with voices that rang out in sexy tones of Cuba's brassy yesteryear. Toss in Torres's affable laud, Luis Mirabal's blistering trumpet, and the joined voices of Torres's family to this mix of lively Cuban standards--which celebrate pumpkins, crabs, yams, fish, and romance--and you've got an album whose brilliance dazzles with every listen. --Karen K. Hugg

Amazon.com essential recording
Barbarito Torres played as a guest instrumentalist on Buena Vista Social Club and A Toda Cuba Le Gusta before gathering together Cuba's premier musicians and recording this amazing debut. A sensual mix of Cuban son, danzon, and guaracha, Havana Cafe makes austere use of instrumentation, using only the laud (Cuban lute), guitar, percussion, and vocals to create a wall of wonderfully spirited music. "Hijo del Siboney" rings in the collection with bright melodies and vibrant guitars before the set goes on to boast gem after gem of traditional and contemporary Cuban music. Singer Pio Leyva lends his brassy bellow to two tracks, adding an authentic dimension that's refreshingly void of pretension and characteristic of this playful, joyous album. Singer Ibrahim Ferrer also appears in all of his romantic glory. It's rare when the "in the moment" chemistry of musicians collaborating is captured on disc, but with Havana Cafe, the chemistry is thankfully captured forever. --Karen Karleski

Havana Cafe,Barbarito Torres,Atlantic / Wea,Afro-Cuban,Cuba,Cuban,Cuban Pop,Int'l & World Music,Latin Folk,Pop,Tropical,World Music

Average customer rating: Havana Cafe - A Great Place To Hang Out Great Latin Jazz Ensamble

Havana Cafe Paquito D'Rivera Manufacturer: Chesky Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Brazilian & Latin Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music International Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Portraits of Cuba 100 Years of Latin Love Songs Tropicana Nights The Jazz Chamber Trio Brazilian Dreams ASIN: B000003GFG Release Date: 1991-11-04

Tracks:

1. Havana Cafe
2. Jean Pauline
3. The Search
4. Look At You
5. Improvalsation
6. Contradanza
7. Who's Smoking?
8. The Return
9. Bossa Do Brooklyn
10. What Are You Doing Tomorrow Night?

Customer Reviews:

Havana Cafe - A Great Place To Hang Out.......2004-06-26

"Havana Cafe" was my introduction to Paquito D'Rivera's music in a small band setting. On this set D'Rivera plays alto and soprano sax, plus clarinet backed up by piano, guitar, bass, drums and percussion. The title track by musical director Danilo Perez opens the recording with a funky riff from the low end of the piano before breaking into a bright and upbeat melody; D'Rivera's alto sax solo is appropriately buoyant throughout. Guitarist Ed Cherry contributes "Jean Pauline", a smoothly grooving cha cha, and guitarist Fareed Haque brings his own "The Search", an exploratory piece of music. Two short tracks show off D'Rivera's considerable compositional skills: "Improvalsation", a duet for acoustic guitar and clarinet, and "Contradanza", a solo clarinet piece. These two works blur the lines between jazz, Latin and chamber music so effectively that trying to classify the them into any genre is futile. The highlight of "Havana Cafe" is the track "Who's Smoking?" a quick-paced bop number written by D'Rivera and featuring some excellent soloing from Ed Cherry. Although "Who's Smoking?" is dedicated to James Moody, D'Rivera is the one doing the smoking - his alto work on this track is, well, smoking. This is a killer set.

Great Latin Jazz Ensamble.......1999-06-04

This is my favorate D'Rivera CD -- so far. The combo is one of the best he has led. The musicianship is outstanding, and great tunes. Paquito is never "far out" but instead very accessible.

Average customer rating: Happy music Just buy it if you can.... What would have improved it... Cangrejo no tiene na, but this CD has it all! Another great CD for BVSC fanatics (like ME)

Havana Cafe Barbarito Torres Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music Afro-Cuban | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Folk | Latin Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: Barbarito Torres Estoy Como Nunca Buena Vista Social Club Presents: Manuel Guajiro Mirabal Sublime Ilusion Master Sessions, Vol. 2 ASIN: B00000IFW2 Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

1. Hijo Del Siboney
2. La Calabaza
3. Sarandonga
4. Corazon de Chivo
5. El Amor Di Mi Bohlo
6. Lagrimas Negras
7. Pensando En Ti
8. Yo Na Se
9. Sublime Ilusion
10. Camina Pa'lo Chapiao
11. Cangrejo No Tiene Na
12. Los Celos De Mi Compay
13. Alla Vay
14. El Tren

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

With festive energy, Havana Cafe shines brightly among the Cuban gems of 1999. Veteran guests Ibrahim Ferrer, Frank Emilio, and Omara Portuondo wowed us with their experienced ways while singers Victor Villa and Nilso Arias seduced with voices that rang out in sexy tones of Cuba's brassy yesteryear. Toss in Torres's affable laud, Luis Mirabal's blistering trumpet, and the joined voices of Torres's family to this mix of lively Cuban standards--which celebrate pumpkins, crabs, yams, fish, and romance--and you've got an album whose brilliance dazzles with every listen. --Karen K. Hugg

Amazon.com essential recording

Barbarito Torres played as a guest instrumentalist on Buena Vista Social Club and A Toda Cuba Le Gusta before gathering together Cuba's premier musicians and recording this amazing debut. A sensual mix of Cuban son, danzon, and guaracha, Havana Cafe makes austere use of instrumentation, using only the laud (Cuban lute), guitar, percussion, and vocals to create a wall of wonderfully spirited music. "Hijo del Siboney" rings in the collection with bright melodies and vibrant guitars before the set goes on to boast gem after gem of traditional and contemporary Cuban music. Singer Pio Leyva lends his brassy bellow to two tracks, adding an authentic dimension that's refreshingly void of pretension and characteristic of this playful, joyous album. Singer Ibrahim Ferrer also appears in all of his romantic glory. It's rare when the "in the moment" chemistry of musicians collaborating is captured on disc, but with Havana Cafe, the chemistry is thankfully captured forever. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Happy music.......2006-06-24

I highly recommend this CD. It was my favorite and lived in my player for a long time when I first got it. The first thing that strikes the listener, a few seconds into track one, is the beautifully rich, strong vocal harmonies. These are prominent throughout the CD. Torres is a great player but this is an ensemble album, there's no showboating. When I first heard this CD I didn't know the laud player was leading the session. (By contrast, the first few bars of Diana Krall's "When I Look in Your Eyes" make it obvious the session leader is on piano.) The tempo is easy throughout most of the CD, even the faster numbers have a laid-back feel, until about the last third, where it picks up a lot of momentum. Sarandonga is joyously exuberant.

Just buy it if you can...........2003-06-21

Awesome classic Cuban music re-produced with modern recording technology and the results are smokin'...!

If you have older Cuban Family Members 60+, do yourself a favor and play this if you want to see them smile and reminise.

Play the 4th Cut, my fav, "Hijo Del Siboney" The whole album is timeless.

I just had to purchase another copy when it became available because it was unavailable everywhere. Get this jewel while you can.

Rafael

What would have improved it..........2002-02-14

The excellent hidden track is at 4:38 of track 14. The CD then has 15 quality cuts. The CD cover and lavish booklet are beautifully designed, as are most of the BVSC projects. Because of this marketing savvy, I'm not sure why track 15 is, in effect, hidden. Stating it openly on the outer case might be the decisive factor in causing a browser to buy the CD. I'm really rating it as 4.5 stars because of two things. I think Torres should have had one cut out of 15 given to him alone, both to add variety to the CD as well as to showcase his virtuosity. Another wish is for the CD to have had one of these tracks as a slower number, perhaps in a small group setting.

Cangrejo no tiene na, but this CD has it all!.......2001-09-19

Not much I can add to the glowing comments of others, except yet another recommendation to buy this CD and enjoy it over & over again. Barbarito's playing of the traditional Cuban lute, the laud, of whichI didn't get enough on the BVSC CD, comes through very nicely. My favorite song is "Crab Doesn't Have a Thing." just because it's so amusing.
FYI, dear listeners, a timeline of Cuban music, explaining guaracha, son, bolero, danzon, etc., [...]

Another great CD for BVSC fanatics (like ME).......2001-06-22

Previous reviewers have very accurately portrayed the qualities of this CD in detail, and there is nothing I can (or need to) add to their enthusiastic accolades. Still, I feel a need to stick in my own two cents' worth.

I, too, came to know of Barbarito Torres via the original Buena Vista Social Club CD and DVD (both of which I HIGHLY recommend).

I should mention that Ibrahim Ferrer, my particular favorite among the BVSC crowd, also makes a guest appearance on this album. There is an emotional force behind his gentle voice that is difficult to define or describe, and that lends a very MOVING quality to his vocal interpretations.

This CD is enormously enjoyable listening, and one of my favorites among the 20 or so CD's that I now have by artists connected with the phenomenon known as Buena Vista Social Club.

If you are unfamiliar with this music, do yourself a favor and BECOME familiar with it. If you love powerful music, then you, too, will be hooked. And you will comprehend the enormous pride that Cubans have in their unique musical heritage. It IS unique, and enjoyable beyond mere verbal description.

Average customer rating:

Cafe de la Havana Various Artists Manufacturer: Disky Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Latin Music | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000066RXS Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

1. Malecon
2. Piel Canela
3. Amor
4. Mambo No. 7
5. Chan Chan
6. Buena Vista
7. Havana Nights
8. Con Permiso
9. Valdegas
10. Me Parece
11. Rumba Varadero
12. Adelante

Average customer rating:

Cafe Havana Various Artists Manufacturer: Hallmark ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000JP5D Release Date: 1999-06-14

Average customer rating:

Havana-Lounge: Cafe Ambient Various Artists Manufacturer: Sono Logic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Compilations | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B00005YPBR Release Date: 2002-01-22

Tracks:

1. Canallon - Felix Chapotin
2. Prefiero El Son - Eugenio Lamera
3. Chan Chan - Compay Segundo
4. Serenata En Batanga - Chucho Valdes
5. Por Encima Del Nivel - Los Van Van
6. Son De La Loma - Trio Matamoro
7. Para Cochero - Orq. Aragon
8. Santa Barbara - Celina Y Retilio
9. Yo Como Candela - Omara Portundo
10. A Bayomo En Coche - Son 14
11. El Manisero - Chucho Valdes
12. Esperame En El Cielo - Celia Cruz
13. Guantanamera - Benny Moore
14. Retozon - Pio Leyva
15. Vovia Querer - Barbarito Diez

Average customer rating:

Havana Cafe Barbarito Torres Manufacturer: Universal Latino ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music Afro-Cuban | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Folk | Latin Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: Barbarito Torres ASIN: B00009V7UE Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

1. Hijo Del Siboney
2. La Calabaza
3. Saradonga
4. Corazon De Chivo
5. El Amor De Mi Bohio
6. Lagrimas Negras
7. Pensando
8. Yo No Se
9. Sublime Ilusion
10. Camina Pa'lo Chapiao
11. Congrejo No Tiene Na'
12. Los Celos De Mi Compay
13. El Tren (Pico Y Pala)
14. Alla Voy

Average customer rating:

Havana Cafe Various Artists Manufacturer: Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music ASIN: B0009U5682 Release Date: 2005-06-27

Average customer rating:

Havana Cafe ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004S3WD Release Date: 2006-10-17

Average customer rating:

Cafe Havana: Los Soneros de Havana Various Artists Manufacturer: Mastertone Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B00000JRPD Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

1. El Carretero
2. Dos Gardenias
3. Chan Chan
4. Alto Songo
5. Amor Verdadero
6. Son De La Loma
7. No Llores Mas
8. El Guayo De Catalina
9. Mentiras Tuyas
10. La Charanga
11. Rico Vacilon
12. Todo Una Vida
13. Los Sitio Asere
14. A Toda Cuba Le Gusta

Average customer rating:

Cafe Havana ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Compilations | International | Styles | Music ASIN: B000086EIU Release Date: 2006-12-19

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