[.ca] Las Flores De La Vida

Chronique amazon.fr:
Les retraités de Buena Vista Social Club, filmés par Wim Wenders et coatchés par Ry Cooder, ont pris résidence dans les charts internationaux. Le senior de la bande, Compay Segundo alias Francisco Repilado, né en 1907 dans un petit village proche de Santiago de Cuba, profite sans chômer de ses heures de gloire tardives. Tout comme ses camarades de jeux, Ibrahim Ferrer ou Ruben Gonzalez, il ne s'abîme pas dans la contemplation de ses disques d'or ou dans le souvenir de son métier de rouleur de cigares, mais s'adonne sensuellement aux plaisirs solitaires. Son savoir-faire, pétri d'émotions et d'humour jubilatoire, enveloppe les treize titres tout feu tout flamme de Las Flores de la Vida, enregistrés en compagnie de son célèbre Harmonico, guitare sophistiquée à sept cordes. Nostalgique des boléros et autres sérénades d'antan, ce monsieur de plus de quatre-vingt-dix ans illumine avec verdeur quelques chansons romantiques, dont la légendaire "Guantanamera". Un bouquet salsa de chansons éternelles offert par le toujours dynamique Compay Segundo ne se refuse pas. --Sabrina Silamo

From Amazon.com:
At 93, the man who came to international fame with Buena Vista Social Club is making some of the most celebratory music of his career. And some of the most adventurous, arranging his distinctive son forms for a band that, unusually, includes clarinets. Nor does he need to be front and center all the time, playing second banana to Hugo Garzo's Satchmo-like growl on "Amor de Loca Juventud," or harking back 60 years to a song he cowrote, "Te Doy la Vida," with son Basilio on lead vocals. There's plenty of charm, of course, and some luminous love songs on this record, not just to women, but a love of life itself. Segundo has come to be the embodiment of Cuban son, and his work here does nothing to diminish that reputation. He even closes the set with his version of an ineffably Cuban song, "Guantanamera," done simply because he'd never recorded it before. Self-indulgent? Not in the least. Simply more glorious music from someone who's finally receiving his international due. --Chris Nickson

dreamy and romantic:
I enjoyed most of this romantic album except for #6 Amor de Loca Juventud. It started out as a pretty song but then, halfway through the song, an awful-sounding voice speaking some English lyrics jarred me out of my dreamy mood. He sounded like a very raspy Wolfman Jack. I thought that his voice and his "yeah, baby" ruined the song and that is why this cd only gets 3 stars instead of 4. There is a lovely slow dance version of Guantanamera but no one can top Celia Cruz's version. Although you don't need the English translations to enjoy his music, it is an extra pleasure to read them and get more out of Segundo's music.

Music that surpasses age and nationality:
It seems incredible that a singer can still be singing when in his 90's. I was prepared to make allowances for his age, but no, that's not necessary. The familiar "Guatanamera" comes across as a fresh arrangement, and the less familiar soon become favorites. That is my experience here. This is for those who enjoy Cuban music and a CD which will easily win new converts. Very highly recommended.

Hecha!:
Compay does it again. Compay's appearence has everything: superb music, flawless pacing, and the most charming frontman ever. This album opens with "La Negra Tomasa" which takes you away immediatly to the tropical pearl of the south, Cuba. Seconded by "Las Flores De La Vida," the most beautiful song on the album. "Oui Parle Francais" is a song that will have you on your feet in no time. Then to settle you down Compay plays "Juramento" and "Enamorada". Number six, "Amor De Loca Juventud," is a wonderful song, especially when Compay's son, Basilio, does a rendition of the great Louis Armstrongs voice. The album continues at a medium to fast pace until number twelve, "Cazabe y Macho". This is a song full of power and emotion. The album is ended by the timeless "Guantanamera". I don't care what the previous reviewer said about Celia Cruz's version being the best. Compay's version of "Guantanamera" is beyond comparison. And being that Compay is the greatest living Cuban musician, I think Celia would agree. This is a great album to buy if you want to expierence the greatest music on the planet, la musica de Cuba.

Farewell to Compay Segundo:
Born on November 18, 1907 in Siboney, Cuba, Maximo Francisco Repilado Munoz (better known as "Compay Segundo") died of kidney failure on July 13, 2003 in Havana, Cuba. Farewell to an unbelievably charismatic and talented musician. Known for his sporty, Borsalino-style hats and trademark cigars, Segundo was truly young at heart and rich in sound. He reemerged in popularity in 1997 with the Buena Vista Social Club documentary and CD. With the passing of segundo, the world has lost a truly unique and irreplaceable sound.

A Flowing Tribute to Cuban Music:
After being exposed to traditional Cuban music with the Buno Vista Social Club, I was delighted to find Compay Segundo to further my discovery into this beautiful sound. A relaxing listen, it is both upbeat and complex in its melodies. I highly reccomend this purchase, and look forward to hearing other works by this artist.

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