Search - Alejandro Fernandez :: Mexico-Madrid: En Directo Y Sin Escalas (W/Dvd)

A must have

Simone Mitil | Florida | 12/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a true gift. As in most concerts, the versions of the original themes are sligthly different from the original soundtracks and, as a fan, you will appreciate the selection included in the CD/DVD, specially "Canta Corazon" and "Que Voy a hacer con mi Amor". The only regret is that it does not include more songs from the second part of the concert, when Alejandro is wearing a mexican charro outfit - gorgeous!).



The orchestra, that includes several mariachi musicians, was awesome. To add up, a local guitarrist and a percusionist were invited to participate in several themes (in my opinion, "Tantita Pena" is a masterpiece).



The duets are great, specially the one with Diego El Cigala, a very famous singer in Spain. The result is a magnificent mix of traditional mexican music and rumba flamenca. This piece is also a treasure you would find nowhere else.



Finally, something only for the true believers: two of Armando Manzanero's most beautiful songs are included ("Contigo Aprendí" and "Como yo te amé") as well as potpurri of themes composed by Juan Grabriel.



In the DVD you will see how much members of the orchestra as well as the invited performers and the public, specially the mexicans living in Madrid, enjoyed the event. Alenjandro was humble and enchanting and this concert was very special. Even if you were not there, you will feel that this was a wonderful night."

Class act

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 04/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was shopping in Mexico around Christmas time and saw this DVD concert footage on one of those big screens and was blown away. Wow! Que puedo decir?( What can I say?) Although this is a CD package that includes DVD footage I have to begin with the visuals. Absolutely a stunning performance with top quality musicians and adoring fans for an unforgetable concert to be enjoyed again and again! I've liked AF for a few years now but felt that Luis Miguel had the edge over him in terms of class , vocals and performance persona; after viewing this disc I'm not so sure. Every aspect of this production is top notch, the orchestra is nothing short of magnificient, the guest performers awesome, the video , the lighting, the staging , it is all good. AF does an incredible job with his tribute to Juan Gabriel's compositions in the popurri offering. The totality of the concert is fantastic but there are some standout memorable moments that captivate the imagination. Beginning with the invitaion of Spanish musicians on flamenco guitar and caja(music box drum) on the International hit "Tantita Pena" the love fest goes into full swing. The chemistry between audience and artists is suddenly elevated. The old world meets the new world; a heart felt Spanish flamenco sounding song by a Mexican results in a rousing long lasting applause from the crowd at the end of this super song that will blow you away. The Iberian- Mexican connection is furthered when AF performs the Agustin Lara composition "Granada." With the opening notes from the orchestra the crowd immediately errupts into appreciation and when AF hits some extended notes they further interrupt with applause; it is a thing of sheer beauty and magic.During a break in the song for AF's vocal chords the chorus and musicans carry the song while the crowd rises to their feet in recognition and stay standing until it is over and give another extended applause. It is not just the particular songs that have the Spanish-Mexican connection but it is genuine adoration as is evident in "Que Voy a hacer con mi amor" where the crowd sings the chorus three fourths of the way through the song to blow away AF to the point where he remarks "Wow !" and points and recognizes the crowd. When Diego El Cigala and AF perform "Como quien pierde una estrella" it is nothing short of amazing. The pairing of these two was genius. I'd love to hear more of these two together but for now I'll play this over and over. For me this was the highlight of the night. I wasn't that crazy about the other duets but they were still good overall. The last two numbers on the disc are excellent and in the Mexican tradition. The Jose Alfredo Jimenez composition "El Rey" and the nationalistic "Mexico Querido y Lindo" are fitting and sublime endings to a magical night where the symbiotic relationship between audience, artist and countries was captivated on film. Needless to say the CD is great too with the same songs as the DVD but with the exception of "Granada." The extras on the DVD are pretty nice, considering it is a CD and include behind the scenes preparations, rehearsals which includes commentary by the guest artists. The rehearsal footage with Diego El Cigala is mesmeriizing. I have not looked at all the extras but I found the section on production interesting as well as the section on fans. This CD is definitely one you need if you like AF. When you listen to the CD you will see the concert footage in your mind to further your aural experience. Buy this disc, it is worth the relatively low price and definitely a bargain for what you get. Highly recommended!"

Mexico-Madrid En Directo y Sin Escalas

N. Garza | Dallas, Texas United States | 03/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One more to his almighty collection. The voice is tremendous. He will be a legend of his time"