"Diverse deep house, challenging but very cool. Not overly latin (I would only describe two tracks as "latin") with great range, from d+b to downtempo to "lounge" deep house. I love the album's title and cover art, but I would expect to hear these cuts in a smooth Belgian flat, not in Havana (the recording co. is located in Belgium). They do deep house just right in the Lowlands, though, so five stars. No doubt."
Extremely pleasant recording
Vaidutis | Lithuania | 01/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"lounge/downtempo CD that excellent to chillout or dance...A must-listen record for all downtempo/lounge fans."
Dedicated to the Nightlife
bordersj2 | Boston | 11/06/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is the second Dirk Swartenbroeckx aka "Buscemi" full feature that I'm aware of. This popular dj out of Belgium is known for meaty beats, stunning remixes and adding a touch of flair to his house cuts. It started out with the house inspired "Mocha Supremo", then he moved onto "Our Girl in Havana" and of course last year he released IMO his best, "Camino Real". His motivation, as always, is "beautiful women" as seen by the mysterious face on the cover and throughout the linear notes. Hey - who better to put together a quality cd dedicated to nightlife? What's interesting though is that in Buscemi's album after this one, he had loads more latin influences.
This one has the beats and the flavor. It starts out with a dark samba, accurately titled "Spooky Samba". Has an ominous effect in the background. The track is very well done! Just that little touch in addition to the complexity of the beats, cuica and samba give the cut a real identity. "Calling All Drama Queens" is a song with a solid, not too overbearing of a house beat. Perfect runway music, a hint of trumpet, and sighs in the background. "Salon Section" is great - you can picture the city night and the clubs throbbin' with tracks, the dancefloors full of people and, yes, beautiful women just done up from toe to head at the salon only hours earlier. A few track's later you have the cut that really puts the emphasis on an evening out with "Nightlife At 3:33" - pulsating beat, gentle keys; for whatever reason when I hear this cut I think of Fauna Flash's "Tel Aviv". But my favorite tracks on this cd are definitely "Ramiro's Theme" and "Our Girl in Havana. You know how when you're going to your usual martini bar or night spot, and you bump into some friends on the street and it's good to see them, they think its good to see you? That's what "Ramiro's Theme" reminds me of. Meanwhile "OGIH" is just a fantastic, deep house prototype that was beggin' to be remixed. Good song - like most of the others on this very underrated CD with good latin touches.
I definitely recommend this. Especially if you're a fan of Compost artists and if you do like this, definitely check out these Compost artists: Fauna Flash, Rainer Truby, Minus 8, Intuit, Wei Chi, Kyoto Jazz Massive and DEFINITELY check out Schema's "Break & Bossa" series and Compost's "Glucklich" series. I first heard Ramiro's Theme on Glucklich IV a long time ago and was hooked on Buscemi's sound and music since - that would be a great disc to go to for more similar sounds. The track there and on this cd have withstood the test of time for me nad will always remind me of good times and music with friends. If you're looking for more Buscemi tracks until he comes out (hopefully he will!) with a new album, check the remix market and vinyl sections. He's appeared on well over 60 releases with his cuts and he's remixed TONS of great tracks - like "Galactic Jack" which you can check on St. Germain Des Pres Cafe IV or Brazilectro 6. Last thing; if you can, check the import version that has two additional cuts - "Calexico" and "Ramiro's Theme" remixed. The import, (in my hand right now), has a rust colored booklet."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
