No comments about The Living Legend.

No comments about Beginner's Guide to Tango.

1 comments about Latin Love.

1. Even back in the sixties where I suspect this collection is derived, 101 Strings took a backseat to the likes of say, Mantovani. The old Alshire tracks have been transfered to CD with little or no remastering by MADACY. Lucky that I still utilize a 14 band graphic equalizer to cut the shrillness out of the treble and control the rubber band sounding bass. That said, anything remotely Latin is thrown into the program mix.
   A few inovative arrangements and some unexpected selections will
   keep your interest, but for the most part this is second rate.
   Add a star if your only serving salsa and chips with premixed Margaritas and a fanatic for ping pong ball stereo effects!

No comments about Venceremos! Revolutionary Songs.

No comments about Los Grandes Hits de la Salsa.

No comments about Beginner's Guide to Cuba.

2 comments about Corazón Latino.

1. Dear friends,

   Julio Iglesias,

   Appealing to his own Latin people with a very Latin timbre of voice and attitude that were losing ground to modernity. Seducing all others with what they miss most: Passion expressed with elegance. And yet, though to many he stands for an essesnce Anchored in tradition, our Julio Iglesias, in this recording more than any other, is poised toward what is yet to come.

   Not long ago he said he was barely begining to learn to sing. It was no false modesty. In spite of his unmistakable talent as a vocal stylist and his unpresedented success, Julio Iglesias has never stopped living his vocation, that of apprentice. In NOCHE DE CUATRO LUNAS, (NIGHT OF THE FOUR MOONS) there are few remmants of the sumptous style that propelled him to fame- except for his voice, which is full of energy and yet torn asunder by feeling.

   His voice. Here more mediterranean, more gypsy than ever. More possessed. There is salsa and merengues, funky riff and hot times. For years now, Julio Iglesias has lived with his Latin brothers and sisters, taken in the breeze of the tropics, and he has picked up those party grooves. but his pleasure now is not frivolous. It's deep and artistically bold. Julio Iglesias has taken by storm all of the world's markets, all the continents , with multimillionaire sales in multiple languages. But instead of hanging on to successful formulas, Julio Iglesias charts new courses in this recording.

   At once young and seasoned , Julio Iglesias vigorously joins the Redefinition of Latin pop that has been crafted by recent figures like Alejandro Sanz, whose hit "Corazon Partio" (broken heart) Julio Iglesias sings here, as well as his new "Seremos Libres" (we shall be free). Julio interprets two songs, "Dia a Dia" (day by day)and "Vida" (Life) by Panamanian genius Ruben Blades, another restless innovator. "Dos Corazones, Dos Historias" (Two Hearts, Two Stories) a hit song of duo Zeze di Camargo & Luciano, as well as Arakeru's "Mal Acostumbrado" (Spoiled), and "Mamacita" (Little Mama).

   He makes all this songs his. Although the arrangements and rhythms vary, they all seem to have been written by him or for him. which is literally the case of Estefano's "Gozar La Vida" (Enjoy Life) and "Me siento de aqui" ( I feel like I'm from here) and Noche De Cuatro Lunas" (American Lady) with English lyrics sung by one of its authors, Robi Rosa, while the Spanish version was Penned by Stefano and julio Iglesias himself.

   all this work can be read as an autobiography and a philosophy of life: a Struggle for survival and triumph, a stoical acceptance of mistakes and suffering, a romantic melancholic that does not get in the way, however, of a total enjoyment of life - as fulfilling in the mature present as it was in the first flush of youth.

   "Between heaven and heall".... is how Julio Iglesias has lived, as he sings in "Te voy a contar mi vida" (I'm going to tell you my life). Let's let him tell us, because, as always, it is Julio Iglesias who can say it best. "I lost , i won, i suffered, i fell and i got myself up again...."

   There is so much more I can say about this great artist and his great new album, unfortunatley I only have 1,000 words. So all i can say is... this is a must have album for all Julio Iglesias fans.

   Regards, MD




2. If you like Julio's older songs this is the only CD you'll need. All songs have been digitely remasterd to give a great sound. Well produced.

4 comments about Cuba: I Am Time.

1. This is truly an eclectic collection of the diversity that makes not only the Cuban music, but its people.

   Of course, it does not include the classical compositions of Ernesto Lecuona (I recommend Lecuona plays Lecuona,) amongst other Cuban musicians of different genres.

   It does justice with respect to the music of the early 20th century, to the latter years of musicans under Castro's BIG eye.




2. Good sampler of styles and artists. However, while the well illustrated booklet that accompanies the set discusses at length cultural and religious influences on the music, basic information such as recording dates and personnel is completely absent. For a newcomer to Cuban music trying to piece together a history of major artists, innovators and most influential recordings, the lack of discographical information and historical context is frustrating.



3. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY "PEDRO SIMON" FROM ORQUESTRA COLON. THANKS YOU VERY MUCH



4. I don't claim to be an expert on Cuban music. But this has been a fine introduction to the genre for me. The hubris of developing a Cuban collection on four disks becomes clear the longer I listen, because of the wildly different styles and the rich variations even within them. (So imagine, say, doing a four-disk compliation of "Music from Chicago.")

   On the other hand, what better way to hear and learn? My apartment has looked like a Little Caesar's commercial for a week. And it's tough to do a conga line when you work at home by your lonesome.

No comments about Joyas Musicales: Coleccion de Oro.

No comments about Hall of Fame: Historia Musical.