Search - Agustin Lara, Consuelo Velazquez, Felipe Pérez :: Danzon

Exquisite Latin Romance

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 03/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD years ago without ever first hearing a single cut and have been delighted ever since. I had read a movie review by a trusted reviewer which sang the music's praises and that was enough for me.
Soundtrack CDs usually leave me cold, but this is one of few exceptions. Though I have still not yet seen the movie, the quality of the music here spurs my desire to do so.
The Danzon soundtrack is a compilation of the movie's songs performed by various artists. There are sophisticated dance numbers as well as dreamy romantic vocals. Except for the last cut, which seems to be a waste of disc space, I like the whole CD. My favorite is the opening cut, Lagrimas Negras, an instrumental masterfully performed by Danzonera Dimas. Serenata de Schubert, an instrumental number performed by Acenna Y Su Danzon, also stands out as does another Danzonera Dimas piece, Mujer Perjura.
My favorite vocals are Luis Arcaraz' Viajara, Julio Jaramillo's Amar Y Vivir, and the very romantic Beny More number, Como Fue.
Danzon is just one of the many Latin music styles with deep roots in Cuba whose popularity has spread throughout Latin America and has heavily influenced other countries' indigenous dances, notably the Argentine tango.
The music has a very 1940s feel to it, and being very mellow and relaxing, is perfect for play at the office to soothe your nerves and those of your workers or for play at home when the lights are low. If you are unfamiliar with the danzon style, this is a great introduction. If you already like danzon or favor Latin music in general, then you will sure enjoy the exquisite Latin romance contained herein."