Orgullo de los Soneros

Amazon.com
Here's a musical institution with few rivals. For 80 years Septeto Habanero (they were originally a sextet) have been playing the son of Cuba, keeping it alive, helping it grow, keeping it fresh. They handed down the sound to generation after generation, through social and economic hard times--the dictator Machado considered son subversive--and good times; the current regime encourages cultural development and made the band "professional musicians" with a state income and support. The group developed the country music of Oriente, added brass in the late '20s, went to New York to record in the '30s, and became a cultural icon in the '80s as the cultural freeze between New York and Havana began to thaw. The sound has not changed radically from those old recordings made in New York, and this 1997 session shows the current band to be rock solid and true to the tradition laid down eight decades ago. Smooth, precise and full of soul, Septeto Habanero carries on. --Louis Gibson

Tracks:

Voy A La Calle Vapor
Se Entero
Que Se Acabe El Leperepe
Si Tun Ganga
Las Maracas
Alerta Los Bailadores
Revive La Ilusion
Que Encierran Tus Ojos
Diana Habanera
Guaracha Y Son
Ahora Si
Un Diciembre Feliz
Mama Inez

Amazon.com

Here's a musical institution with few rivals. For 80 years Septeto Habanero (they were originally a sextet) have been playing the son of Cuba, keeping it alive, helping it grow, keeping it fresh. They handed down the sound to generation after generation, through social and economic hard times--the dictator Machado considered son subversive--and good times; the current regime encourages cultural development and made the band "professional musicians" with a state income and support. The group developed the country music of Oriente, added brass in the late '20s, went to New York to record in the '30s, and became a cultural icon in the '80s as the cultural freeze between New York and Havana began to thaw. The sound has not changed radically from those old recordings made in New York, and this 1997 session shows the current band to be rock solid and true to the tradition laid down eight decades ago. Smooth, precise and full of soul, Septeto Habanero carries on. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Much to Be Proud Of.......2002-10-17

Brilliant, haunting, driving.

Latin music is as varied as its native countries.

If like me you first dipped your toes into this genre through merenque and cumbia, son is a new rich experience. And this CD is pure son, not Buena Vista Social Club which was spoiled by some pushy gringo's twanging electric guitar.

The CD also seems to be better sound quality than the copies of La Epoca de Oro and El Son lo mas Sublime.

Some New Members, Same Great Sound.......2000-06-01

"Pride of the Soneros", the title says it all. This CD is a must have to any serious collection of Cuban music. The musicians featured on this incarmnation of "SH" are fabulous, 8 musicians with a combined age of 500! That translates into alot of experience and these veteranos can really play. The CD is comprised of son, guaracha and boleros sometimes in very tasty combinations. The vocals on "Se Entero" are chilling as the singers voice quivers and enunciates con sabor. This is classic Cuban music that rivals such illuminaries as the "Buena Vista Social Club" for authenticity. This is reflected in the sheer volume of work and experience, this band has been around for 80 years! It was even recorded in Cuba. The technical style is flawless and rich with polyrhythmns, trumpet, tres, guiro, guitar and bass. Mix these instruments with vocals that are exquisite and you have "Septeto Habanero", a Cuban musical tresure. Do yourself a favor and add this CD to your Cuban collection, you won't be disappointed.

One of 98's top Cuban releases..........1999-01-22

If it can be believed, Septeto Habanero has released a new record to top 1995's "75 Years Later." Although the great Manuel Fure's lead vocals are missed, any of the three great soneros who replace him on this CD are fine singers in their own right. (On track #8, "Que se Acabe el Leperepe," one of them even sometimes resembles the great Carlos Embales.) Also, I prefer the new trumpet player, his tone and style fit better with the traditional format of the group. The production (by Cesaria Evoria's producer Jose da Silva) is just excellent, perfectly capturing the energetic, acoustic flavor of the music. Most importantly, though, the group has packed the CD with great arrangements of great songs, and mostly newer originals. Track #3, "Que Encierran Tus Ojos," a bolero son by the group's leader, guitarist German Pedro Ibanez, is an instant classic...If you're already initiated into the sounds of traditional "Son," or if you have worn out "Buena Vista Social Club" &/or "Cubanismo," this is a must.

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