Search - Celia Cruz, Sonora Matancera :: Celia Cruz, Y La Sonora Matancera, Tu Voz - El Alacran - El Panquelero

The Queen of Salsa.

S. Karon | Iowa City, IA | 07/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cuban-born Celia Cruz is rightly known as the Queen of Salsa. In our democratic society, we think that such an exalted position is something you grow into over time, something you achieve after years of effort and persistence. But musical royalty is similar to political royalty in that most true kings and queens are born, not made. Elvis's "That's All Right" notwithstanding, "Cao Cao Mani Picao" is the best proof of that unfair fact of life: it was Celia's first single, and she sounds as regal and assured as she does fifty years on. Me, if I were a subject of Celialand, I'd be quite content to chime in the backing cao-caos with the other peons. At least I'd be in the presence of greatness."

Forever Young

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 06/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Want to hear real authentic Cuban music that is pure without any added features to entice a larger audience? Buy this one for the sheer historical significance. A must have for any collector of Cuban music. The tracks collected here are classic and feature some of Celia's best compositions. Celia Cruz, one of the queens of Cuban music is featured here as a young singer. Also the world renowned Sonora Mantancera, and its male singers, is the back up band for an extra bonus adding to the historical significance and authenticity of these early recordings. Judging by the picture of Celia and the boys in the band I would guess these recordings are from the 50's, maybe 60's at the latest. A forever youthful Celia is featured on the cover and her voice is more youthful as well, not as deep but just great nonetheless.The only let down is that there are no liner notes so you just have to enjoy the music for what it is, timeless and forever young."

Half the Music, Double the Price

07/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Celia Cruz is beyond words. Like Aretha and Sinatra, Celia had that certain something no musicologist, no critic, no fan has been able to fathom. We hear it, but we haven't found the word for it. Her years with La Sonora Matancera are an important chapter in the history of popular music of the twentieth century. Unfortunately, this CD gives us only five songs sung by Celia and five by the band members. All great numbers, but not enough of them. I would have left the rating blank if they'd let me because I do not endorse this particular recording despite the great music in it. CBS/Sony/Orfeón released a twenty-song compilation in 1990. The CD (B00005Y7HY) is still available on this site and the list price is less than $... (US). It includes all but two or three of the songs in this shorter collection. Of course, it also includes many others that are far more important. Though full advantage of restoration technology was not taken when transferring analog to digital, you can still hear the fire in her voice, the piano solos and brass arrangements that don't get enough credit. And you own a piece of history to boot. (There are many other compilations of Celia and la Sonora and countless shorter collections but, as with Sinatra, making a list of the best would be terribly subjective and nearly impossible.) Whatever you end up buying, open the windows and crank up the volume. When the neighbors complain, just invite them, offer them some Cuban coffee, and let them listen a bit longer. Soon, they too will understand."