A must-have for lovers of Mexican music
05/13/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ranchera's greatest living singer pays tribute to the finest composer of the genre. Vicente's unbelievably strong voice brings out the full range of emotion and yes, machismo associated with these classics, most of which will be familiar to appreciators of 20th-century Mexican music. Vicente's performance of "Camino de Guanajuato" alone is worth the price of the CD. Although the grieving lyric expresses that "la vida no vale nada," the effect upon the listener is pure life-embracing joy, not unlike how listening to hard-earned American blues can be an ironically uplifting experience. This CD is amongst the best of all Vicente's many albums, and would serve as a fine introduction not only to his ouvre, but also to the genius of Jose Alfredo Jiminez, the composer of all the songs."
Chente interprets El Rey
Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 06/05/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It is only fitting that arguably Mexico's greatest contemporary ranchero singer paid tribute to the greatest composer and singer of the genre. Vicente Fernadez, he of the perpetual jet black mustache and hair, in spite of his age( a dye job that looks like shoe polish was applied!) has recorded numerous albums and has one of the strongest voices you have ever heard. On this disc there is a certain contained reverence to not out do the original, Jose Alfredo Jimenez. As in his latest release, where he interprets the songs of another great Mexican composer, Agustin Lara, there is a restrained Vicente Fernadez. Known during his live performances to gradually lower the mic to his stomach , while maintaining some incredible decibel level and bellowing out the notes as though the mic were stil near his mouth, Chente has one of those voices that doesn't come around very often. The songs on this disc are all beautiful El Rey songs with fresh arrangements, slightly different than the original compositions as arranged by Jose Alfredo. The mariachi used to back up Chente is also a bit mellow as though not trying to outdo Chente. Outstanding tracks include the Mexican of Mexican songs "Camino de Guanajuato" that is a beautiful lament shrouded in the beauty of the pueblo with Christ on the mountaintop , the lovely ballad or bolero, "Un Mundo Raro" where the thick vibrant voice of Chente does more than justice to the classic song, " Alma de Acero" where Chente almost lets loose completely, bellowing out his interpretation with a nice harmony duo with one of the mariachis, "Tu Recuerdo y Yo," the biographical El Rey song in which he leaves his life philosophy on the bar table after many shots of tequila, a classic tears in your beers song of lost love, "Cuando Los Anos Pasen" where the hereditary roots , the soft refrains that have made his son Alejandro Fernadez a contemporary heartthrob can be heard, and of course the closing classic song, "Yo" that features some of Chentes trademark vibrato. This is one of those discs that you will never get tired of. If you like either artist you will probably want to have this one in your collection. If you like mariachis than this disc fits that bill also; it's a win win situation, you can't go wrong with this disc, especially at the low price. There will never be another Chente or El Rey but here you have the opportunity to have one great interpreting another great."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1