Something light and warm for a bitterly cold, snowy day. Once again, I can’t say much about this. I don’t know much about Cuban music. I bought this record mostly for its beautiful cover. My only real thoughts are that it sounds like a less gimicky (and therefore less interesting) Esquivel, whom I quite like. The vinyl itself is in pretty rough shape, so I couldn’t really get the subtleties out of this music.

But like I said, it made me feel warm for about an hour.

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Ok, so I wrote the above around noon yesterday, before I was able to download a new version of this album. I have to say, the little I was able to make out, between the skipping, crackling and needle wear, intrigued and charmed me enough I had to find a digital copy to review. I wasn’t giving it the respect it deserved.

Then I found someone else’s blog entry, written on the author’s mother’s 94th birthday, where they told me that this album was their mother’s favourite. How could I possibly dismiss this music with a short 87 word non-review. So, I downloaded it and listened.

It’s lovely, and inspiring, and each song has a personality that carries you up and down on a journey that reinforces my deep seated desire to visit Cuba. It’s a shame that the lounge fad of the mid 90′s (there’s that 90s reference again) didn’t actually bring about a long lasting respect for the musicians and arrangers that made this music. I mean beyond Esquivel and Ferrante & Teicher. Or, maybe people like me are the resurgence’s legacy.

This is the sort of thing that people need more of in their lives. Real musicianship. Not to say we don’t have that happening at all, but it isn’t happening with such accessible emotional zeal.

Here’s the download link I used for this album’s second chance.

Verdict: 1 out of 1 second chances.