Buena Vista Social Club Presents..Ibrahim Ferrer by: budsticky
Buena Vista Social Club Presents..Ibrahim Ferrer (1999)
Ibrahim Ferrer is a product of the hugely popular Buena Vista Social Club. For those unfamiliar with this, it is a group of master Cuban musicians long since forgotten in the harsh political climate of Castro’s Cuba. They were brought together by guitarist Ry Cooder and featured on both a documentary film, and a corresponding album. Both the CD and the film went on to achieve critical and commercial success far beyond anything the participating musicians could’ve imagined. Ferrer in fact, once the most popular singer in Cuba, spent the better part of the 70s and 80s shining shoes and collecting a small pension to make a living. All this changed when Ry Cooder introduced the world to The Buena Vista Social Club.
This album is a natural offshoot of the success of The Buena Vista Social Club. At over 70 years old, Ibrahim Ferrer’s voice still makes the hair stand on end..and I’m probably the last person to be impressed by somebodys singing voice. The album itself is a collection of mainly traditional Cuban songs as interpreted by Ferrer. Along with Ferrer’s singing, Ruben Gonzalez turns out highlight work on this album with his perfectly placed piano playing throughout. He never gets in the way, but he sprinkles lines liberally on nearly every song which push the music forward.
Unfortunately a draw back of this album is Ry Cooder. Though he must be appreciated for bringing the worlds attention to these great Cuban musicians, his playing just doesn’t hold up with these guys. I can almost bet that were it not for him bringing them fortune, he would never be allowed on these sessions. He has some particularly annoying slide guitar sequences throughout this album which in the traditional Cuban setting really grate on my ears. He also brings his son Joaquim into the mix to do drums and percussion. Again, I’m sure that there are some Cuban percussionists that could’ve done much better. I guess when you’re the one responsible for bringing the money in you can play what you want on these recordings. It’s too bad as it truly is a sore spot of this recording in my view.
All in all though, this is a great recording. Ferrer’s voice is smooth as silk despite years and years of cigars and rum. Kind of the opposite of what smoking and drinking have done to Tom Waits’ voice. For those not familiar with Cuban music this is a good starting point. It really focuses on the traditional Cuban sound. If you’ve heard and enjoyed The Buena Vista Social Club CD you already have heard Ibrahim Ferrer, and this disc will just give you more to digest. This CD has a definite place in anybodys collection. Quaint, peaceful, and enjoyable…this one will have you dreaming of being on an island surrounded by beaches and palm trees.