Search - Various Artists :: Viva Cuba Libre

This brilliantly conceived "audiobook," containing a 65-page book and a 14-track CD, provides a sonic snapshot of modern Cuban music. Highlights come from vocalists Ibrahim Ferrer and the velvet-toned Omara Portuondo with their soul-stirring renditions of "Ay Candela" and "Quizas, Quizas Quizas"; Compay Segundo with his signature song, "Chan Chan"; and the country crooner Eliades Ochoa and his El Cuarteto Patria with their hit "El Quarto de Tula." Pianist Ruben Gonzalez's Errol Garner-like block chords steal the show on the driving jam "Mandiga." Finally, there's "Guajira Guantanamera," performed with style and sophistication by Vieja Trova Santiaguera. One hundred beautiful color photos by Italian photographer Stefano Biliotti provide the perfect visual complement to this well-produced document. --Eugene Holley, Jr.