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Exclusive Buena Vista Social Club Streams!

2:59 PM GMT 23/10/2008

Exclusive Buena Vista Social Club Streams!

THEY REQUIRE NO introduction: the grizzled guys and gals of the Buena Vista Social Club, the ace Cuban jazz collective disinterred then brought together by Ry Cooder for 1997’s market-inventing world music hit. World Circuit’s latest release is a DVD of the New York Carnegie Hall concert that followed, expanding the footage that figures in Wim Wenders’ 1999 movie documentary, and they’ve served up some brilliant full track footage for MOJO readers.

It’s a milestone, but it’s also a headstone, because many of these amazing players and singers – including frail pianist Rubén González, ornery, flat-capped singer Ibrahim Ferrer (pictured) and guitarist Compay Segundo – are no longer with us. Indeed, if Cooder and Wenders do nothing else any good ever again (and by the way, have you seen The Million Dollar Hotel?) their immortalisation of these Cuban legends will have been enough to secure the world’s permanent gratitude. Take a moment to enjoy the depth, soul and skill of some of the greatest music ever made…

1. Chan Chan

The music video version. Lovely balance of live performance and “trailer”-style footage. Worth it for the moment the voices kick in and the band can’t believe the response from the crowd. Quicktime WMV

2. Candela

Live at at Carnegie Hall, the flat-capped singer Ibrahim Ferrer stalks the stage like a man a third of his age. Stunning. Quicktime WMV

3. De Camino A La Vereda

Candid rehearsal footage, as Ry Cooder tries to get his head round what for the crazy old guys is second-nature. Quicktime WMV

4. El Cuarto De Tula

From rehearsals again, it’s that gob-smacking laoud (it’s a crazy lute thing) solo by Barbarito Torres that knocks Al DiMeola Into a cocked hat. Blazing! Quicktime WMV

5. Pueblo Nuevo

The then-77-year-old Rubén González’s astonishing party piece. We are truly not worthy. Quicktime WMV

Posted by Danny_Eccleston at 2:59 PM GMT 23/10/2008


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  • продам Форд-Фокус 2008 года за 200 тр. торг возможет. срочно!!!
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    Posted by advabieciniab at 6:35 AM GMT 13/03/2009 Report Abuse

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