Sandra R. from CROPWELL, AL Reviewed on 10/11/2013...
Great CD!!
CD Reviews
Ow...my ears
L.I.T | Makati, Philippines | 04/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let me first warn you...this cd and artist are not for the musically faint of heart. Yma Sumac's musical style is...different to the extreme. I have likened her to an operatically trained vocalist who went to town on mambo music. She basically uses her voice as another instrument in many parts of the cd and jumps from octave to octave, it is very rare to actually hear her sing lyrics. That being said, her voice is simply awesome. It is one of the most versatile and powerful voices that I have ever heard, I truly believe that she would have been a trip to see live. If you are a fan of hotfire mambo music with a twist, or are looking for something new and totally not-normal I would highly recommend this cd. It is an excellent way to become introduced to one of the most unique musicians you will ever hear. My personal favorite is Chicken Talk. However, the entire cd is just a fascinating listen. But be warned, I have worried a lot of people in my dormitory when I have played this cd, and you probably will too."
Why do people say her name is Amy Camus spelled backwards?
skarecreau | San Francisco, CA USA | 12/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this CD. Yma Sumac is an extraordinary vocalist with a mind-blowing range. Her voice is sexy and strong and, at times, bird-like. (Supposedly, she had acquired her pipes from having been raised high in the Andes mountains in Peru, which strengthened her lungs from the altitude). Sadly, most of my friends and family are put off by her singing and find it very annoying, so I don't get to play this album at parties very much, but I don't care. I suppose that some people can't recognize talent if it grabs them by the shoulders and caterwauls in their face. However, the person who introduced me to Yma Sumac compared her to Diamanda Galas. With all due respect to Ms. Galas, I find that demeans Yma's talent. On this album, in addition to Yma's beautiful singing, there is also the enchanting arrangements of Billy May, who did a lot of arranging for Frank Sinatra at the better part of his career as well as other illustrious singers of that era. "Mambo!" is brassy and bold, a must for any Latin music fan."
First time weird, second time treasured!
Vivian Davenport | .. | 02/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having grown up in the 50s, I remembered the name Yma Sumac when I was perusing the 'not-for-public-consumption' (not at the front of the store) CDs in a music store. Curious, I purchased the "Mambo" CD. After first hearing it, I said to myself 'This is weird.' After a second and third hearing, I realized I was hooked. The exotic stretches of her vocal range were something I learned to love, like a second Martini. Who else can reach the highest of soprano heights and the lowest of gutteral grunts and get away with it so gracefully as the supreme Yma???"
If you think you know Yma's music?
A. M. Smith | RICHMOND, VA United States | 09/28/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...unless you've heard "Mambo," think again! In a departure from her familiar, more formal, Incan-based work, Yma explodes all over the place on this collection. Oddly, Yma herself downplays this recording, explaining in her stage act that it was "just a studio album." She doesn't perform any of the numbers, and more's the pity. The brassy '50s-styled arrangements make a wonderful complement to the familiar yet amazing 4-octave voice, displaying a side of the diva not generally recognized except by diehard fans. Together with her 1972 rock album, "Miracles" (released on the London label and not, to my knowledge, available on CD), "Mambo" represents Yma's amazing versatility with material. Well worth the "price of admission." Check it out!"