It is my contention that the past is directly linked to the present through certain material objects. The most potent of these objects are sculptures, paintings, audio recordings and the printed word. The first two of course, are visual. They tell us the way we looked and suggest the way we may have lived. The last two are equally important in that they convey to us the musical tastes of our progenitors. To put a musical album together composed mainly of material that has been recorded before is always a risk, we are all conservatives at heart.
For the most part, the selections contained in this album challenge the standard versions and goes them one better. there are those who would argue that are basically the same as originals, and normally I would tend to agree with them, if not for one thing CHICO ALVAREZ. A master of the Cuban bolero, Chico is also a veteran Sonero, an alumnus of many of New York’s best Latin bands. For this recording he has managed to take a few selected classics, and through the sheer force of his own personality, he has made them work for him. Effortlessly and without much fanfare, he brings old classics such as “Ñaña Acere” into the here and now of it. Whether dramatically belting out an old Beny More classic such as “Que Me Hace Daño” or simply blending into the melancholy mood of an obscure piece like “Entre Risas, Copas y Discos” Chico is in total control. While both of these compositions seemed to have been tailored for the soft, lush sound of violins and reeds, he gives the impression that they were written especially for the type of setting and treatment which he now offers us.
With the excellent accompaniment of the group NOSOTROS, Mr. Alvarez has attained what is probably the best musical setting for his gifted voice that he has ever enjoyed.Having worked with these artists on a regular basis was helpful, as it undoubtedly put him in-tune with their musical concepts, which were strangely quite different from his. It is precisely this cross-fertilization of styles, ideas and attitudes which have paid off in the end. In Characteristic New York City fashion, Chico Alvarez and Nosotros have successfully blended old forms with new concepts, thus bridging rural and urban landscapes and blending them into one, while creating a sort of fire and ice situation. Yes, Ubiquity did not play a key role in the making of this recording. A perfect example of the importance of group thinking and feeling is “Si Los Rumberos Me Llaman” which I leave here for your listening pleasure.
I could go on and on about this classic Masterpiece, Which was recorded back in 2007 and I have it in vinyl and CD. If you can find it make sure to grab a hold of it and add it to your Salsa/ Latin Jazz collection.
Vernon Boggs, Professor of “Salsiology”