There’s been a ton of digital ink spilled about the landmark 1997 album from Buena Vista Social Club (especially recently since a musical themed version of the album just hit Broadway this year), but a brief history lesson is certainly helpful here. This album a living time capsule of Cuba’s rich musical past brought to life by a group of veteran musicians who were basically unheard of outside of their home country. Recorded by Ry Cooder in Havana during the late 1990s, the project captures the spirit of a pre-Castro era when Cuba pulsed with musical innovation. Many of the performers, some in their 70s and 80s, had been stars in the 1940s and ’50s but faded into obscurity under the Castro regime. Cooder’s analog and on-location recording approach gives the whole damn thing a real warmth and intimacy that is undeniable. It’s heartfelt, respectful, and a wonderful tribute to the rich history of Cuban music.
Standout Songs: “Chan Chan”, “Dos Gardenias”, “El Cuarto de Tula”, “Candela”
