Search - Lecuona Cuban Boys :: Volume 1

The Enjoyment Is Irresistible.

John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 10/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originating in Cuba in the early 1930s, the Lecuona Cuban Boys "conquered" Europe between the years 1934 and 1939. They are credited with having introduced the dance the conga to the world. Their many records, made over a period of forty years and often keenly sought by collectors, have been transferred to CD by Harlequin Records of England. To date eight CDs have been issued in the series. Volume One offers recordings made during the 1930s, including two of the best - "Rumbah-Tambah", and "La Conga Blicoti". Eminent Cuban pianist and composer Ernesto Lecuona happily allowed his name to be bestowed on the group, he composed for them, he promoted them, and he was at the heart of the good spirits that kept them together, but he never featured as the group's pianist. The personnel numbered about twelve, most of whom played several instruments, and some of whom composed and arranged for the group. Each member also had a non-musical role to play, one in charge of the travel, another publicity, another finances, and so on. Their regular vocalist from 1934 was Alberto Rabagliati, an Italian. The notes provided in Volume One and subsequent volumes are enriched by recollections gathered from two of the groups original members. Listening to the Lecuona Cuban Boys, it is the exotic array of percussion instruments that makes a first strong impression - claves, guior, bongoes, timbales, quijada, maracas, gangarria. Whatever the music, even if it is the Russian folksong "Black Eyes", these instruments get into the act. High spirits are evident too. Band members cheer each other on, laugh, and generally sound as if they are having the time of their lives. The enjoyment is irresistible."