Search - Mercedes Sosa :: Cantora

The great legacy of a great singer

C. A. Parraga | Barcelona, Spain | 11/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mercedes Sosa was not just a great singer, she was a fundamental character in Latin American music. She died after completing this, her fundamental opus (there are actually 2 CDs and an accompanying DVD with this release) of duos with other notable singers/songwriters. In fact the two CDs read like a who's who of Latin American music... almost all who appear in this CD are already well known outside their own countries (some like Shakira are worldwide superstars) and others are rising stars to watch in the future. If there was something legendary about this lady it was her generosity to share stage or microphone with relatively unknown talents who will later become superstars on their own. About the music itself, I enjoyed the beautiful arrangements by long time Sosa's pianist and musical director Popi Spatocco. He dealt with a wide range of musical styles creating something very well rounded, traditional without being cheesy. My favourite song in the first album is "Sabiéndose De Los Descalzos" sung by Mercedes and well established Mexican star Julieta Venegas, who also composed the song. I prefer this much improved arrangement (Mercedes Sosa's voice is just a force of nature here) to the original. I generally don't like Shakira's style, but I did like the great version of Silvio Rodriguez's "La Maza" she did here with Mercedes, exploiting the subtleties of this song and adding her own middle-eastern touch. This CD includes some very unusual styles for Mercedes "Mecha" (as she is called in her native Tucuman) Sosa such as the argentine cumbia, in Leon Gieco's wonderful song "El ángel de la bicicleta" sung by the legendary Gustavo Cordera from Bersuit, who is comfortable with such rhythms. Another jewel here is the traditional zamba arrangement of argentine rocker-legend L.A. Spinetta's "Barro tal vez", sung by both Spinetta and Sosa. It is disarming to watch the wonderful mother-son relationship that Sosa had with a whole generation of legendary rock stars like Spinetta, García or Gieco who went to sing with her with the most utter respect and affection. She was for them like a connection with their elders and with the rich world of traditions that is fast disappearing.

It is easy to see why such great artists produce wonderful music, however, it is also refreshing to hear beautiful and original creations from relatively unknown artists. Unfortunately some are not included in the release reviewed here, such as the amazingly sweet version of Yupanqui's poem "Romance de la luna Tucumana" sung by Mercedes and Argentine duet Juan Quintero and Luna Monti, who are a rare treat for whoever wants to enquire where argentine "young folcklore" is pointing out at the moment."