Mis Canciones... My Songs CD - Import

One of the most venerated singers and songwriters in Venezuela, Simon Díaz is a country boy at heart, with an acoustic sound and a way with melodies and words. This CD, his American debut after decades of fame in Latin America, offers new recordings of some of his classic songs, including his most famous, "Caballo Viejo," which became the international smash "Bamboleo" in the hands of the Gipsy Kings. Díaz has been compared to Willie Nelson, and it's an apt analogy: both have a homespun simplicity that covers a lot of depth. He's a gifted, spiritual writer with a laid-back voice, which is well suited to the acoustic arrangements. All of the material here is well-known, not only in Venezuela, but all across the Latin countries, whether it's the lovely lilt of "Luna de Margarita" or the gossamer beauty of "Sabana." That Díaz is a major talent is a fact; finally the United States can discover him. ~ Chris Nickson

Recording information: Estudios Del Este, Caracas, Venezuela (2004).

Authors: Ivan Lins; Caetano Veloso.

Personnel: Simon Díaz (whistling); Simon Díaz (vocals, guitar, whistle); Miguel Delgado Estevez (guitar, cuatro); Miguel Delgado Estevez (guitar); Luis Fajardo (cuatro, harp); Jose Angel Perez (bass instrument); Alfredo Rojas, Alfredo Rojas (maracas); William Garcia (mandolin).

Audio Mixer: David Perez.