Ibrahim Ferrer

Ibrahim has released a little 5 track crackling sampler which I presume is the harbinger of a full-length CD. I do not have a listing of the musicians but they sound very much like the assemblage from the ‘Cachaito’ release of last year.

This singer seems to find gold in everything he does. The funky son Buenos Hermanos that opens the CD is prime Ferrer with some lovely organ and braying Chinese trumpet a link to the sounds of the Havana Street. The Beny More classic ‘Como El Arrullo De Palma’ is given a warm and lilting treatment with evocative accordion accompaniment. ‘Oye El Consejo’ has a harder Afro feel with Ibrahim bearing down on the beat in time-honoured style. ‘Boliviana’ is a beautiful flowing dance piece with the female chorus and rhythm floating warmly in the mix. Buenos Hermanos closes with ‘Perfume de Gardenias’, a superb bolero graced by evocative sax and piano and exceptional chorus. It’s interesting to hear how well programmed these pieces are, flowing naturally between unabashed romanticism and swinging son. Can’t wait to hear the full-length CD. (May 2003)

(A few days later what should arrive? The extra 8 songs on the full-length CD that tips the balance of the release more towards that iron-fist in a velvet glove. Musicians on this Ry Cooder production include Cachaito Lopez on bass, Anga Diaz's congas and Cuba's greatest pianist Chuch Valdes. The glorious vocal harmonies on Perfume De Gardenias are from the Five Blind Boys Of Alabama, an inspired concept. A couple of beautiful ballads, pumping son like Hay Que Entrarle A Palos A Ese (You've Got to Give That One A Bunch Of Fives) and a decent remake of the Chappottin/Cuni classic No Tiene Telarana. You know the drill.)