Expatriate Cuban singer-songwriter and guitarist Juan-Carlos Formell's debut album packs a political wallop amid its lush romantic imagery and subtly cooking folk-jazz sound. "When the dictatorship ends," he sings, "I'm go... more »ing to have a party... / And if it doesn't end, this song will knock it down." Although he's the son of Juan Formell, founder of Cuba's best-known dance band, Los Van Van, Juan-Carlos is more sit-down innovator than dance-floor shaker. He reinvigorates the lyrical potential of acoustic country son in songs that veil the political in the everyday. "Cangrejo (Crab)" discusses the dangerous choices of Cuba's boat people in lively call-and-response verses, and "Vaquito (Cow)" praises the simple things--a cow, a rooster, a cat--the embargoed island's poor can no longer afford. Formell's guitar playing, which shines in a trio of instrumentals, is equally elegant. Whether you agree with his politics or not, Formell is asking the right questions in a new and thoroughly captivating manner. --Richard Gehr« less
Expatriate Cuban singer-songwriter and guitarist Juan-Carlos Formell's debut album packs a political wallop amid its lush romantic imagery and subtly cooking folk-jazz sound. "When the dictatorship ends," he sings, "I'm going to have a party... / And if it doesn't end, this song will knock it down." Although he's the son of Juan Formell, founder of Cuba's best-known dance band, Los Van Van, Juan-Carlos is more sit-down innovator than dance-floor shaker. He reinvigorates the lyrical potential of acoustic country son in songs that veil the political in the everyday. "Cangrejo (Crab)" discusses the dangerous choices of Cuba's boat people in lively call-and-response verses, and "Vaquito (Cow)" praises the simple things--a cow, a rooster, a cat--the embargoed island's poor can no longer afford. Formell's guitar playing, which shines in a trio of instrumentals, is equally elegant. Whether you agree with his politics or not, Formell is asking the right questions in a new and thoroughly captivating manner. --Richard Gehr
CD Reviews
The real revolution
roldan123456789 | San Francisco, CA | 02/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Songs from a little blue house" is a revolutionary recording -- possibly one of the only concept records that has ever come out of Cuba, and what a concept it is. Juan-Carlos Formell, an extraordinary guitarist, bassist and songwriter, had to leave his homeland in order to record these exquisite, gently-sung songs that express his poetic sensibility and profound love of country.Like Bob Dylan, Formell uses traditional and folkloric themes to express new ideas: the record is a beautifully woven tapestry of song about the essence of Cuban identity. Beginning with the joyous dolphin's song in the overture, "Canto del delfin" and continuing through a landscape of poignant and bittersweet commentary, the songs describe a journey in search of Cuba's soul -- "Pajarillo" asks "where has the little bird that carried me over the river to the cane fields gone?"; "Palo de guayaba", is about the sacred guava pole, "hard to break," a symbol of Cuban resilience. The music builds to a crescendo with "A Cuba Nos Vamos", his expression of defiance against Castro's repression that is followed by his passionate assertion of his and Cuba's ultimate survival. This record sets a new standard for Cuban and all Latin music. It is miles better than "Buena Vista Social Club" and way more innovative and interesting than the work of Brazilian songwriters Veloso and Nascimento."
Like Pearls and Rubies
roldan123456789 | 12/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Grammy-nominated debut recording is a miracle: flawless from beginning to end. Formell is a magnificent guitar player, and his songs are gems strung together to create a tiara of Cuban music as it has never been heard before. His voice is the prefect companion to the deceptively gentle music, that flows like a river therough Cuban music history."
Cuban comfort music...
roldan123456789 | 08/22/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Purchased this disc because I heard it at a listening station here in NYC. This makes for great cooking music or background music. Sit on your front porch and enjoy a cold rum and coke!"
Terrific Cuban music
G. Sawaged | Canada | 06/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this cd. It was my first real introduction to Cuban music, but not my last. A good mix of instrumentals and vocals, and also nice packaging. The booklet includes the Spanish lyrics with the English translation, which is always good to have. This is a wonderful album to relax by, but not at all dull...the musicianship is first rate, and repeated listenings can reveal cool background "bits" that may have been missed before. I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves Cuban music or who would like to discover it."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1