Beny More El Barbaro Del Ritmo CD - Import

It has often been said that Beny Moré is among the very finest vocal artists that Cuba has ever produced, and this if proven time and time again, not only in the reflections of modern day Cuban musicians, or the fidelity of his fans, but also in the perseverant interest in forming the "ultimate' Beny Moré collection. Rev-Ola's Beny Moré El Barbaro del Ritmo, subtitled "Monster Hits form the King of Mambo" managed to pack in 23 selections from El Barbaro's legendary career. The selections all showcase the singer's subtle, sensual interpretation, the silky accompaniment that became his signature trademark, and the consistently classic quality of music that has stood the test of time. The fidelity of these recordings is really incredible, considering the time period from which they came. Moré's rich, molasses tenor is rendered in all its original depth and color. However, with around 100 Moré collections on the market, where does this disc of "Monster Hits" fit in? Though it's a fine collection, it missed the boat on some of Moré's better-known material, omitting all the truly classic tunes that are played and replayed even today. The U.K. based Rev-Ola label will hopefully succeed in winning new fans for this master of sonero in the underexposed European market. For the already quite loyal U.S. and Latin American markets, "Monster Hits" may be one collection too many. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez

Beny More's famous RCA/Tropical albums include only some of the recordings made by the singer in the late '40s with Perez Prado's Orchestra. Fortunately, the fine Tumbao Cuban Classics label has chronicled the complete More/Prado catalog on El Barbaro del Ritmo, bringing into focus the incredible partnership of one of the Latin world's most accomplished singers and one of its most innovative band leaders. If you are looking for the "Mambo without a Migraine" experience, though, you'll need to stick to More's later RCA recordings which include a selection of his subdued bolero numbers. On El Barbaro del Ritmo the emphasis is on high-energy mambos including More's big hit "Pachito E Che" as well as "Mamboletas" and "Toncineta," which feature fine examples of Prado's menacing and convoluted brass arrangements. Luckily, with More's assured and smooth delivery, and the relatively subdued reed charts keeping fast and complex brass playing in check, the numbers here are not so intense as to cause the dance floor to vacate. The group perfect the blend on the album's standout track "RaboY Oreja" as More's vigorous yet smooth vocals mirror the give and take of the band's swirling brass and purring reeds. Prado further echoes the contrast in a solo that sandwiches crashing chords between furtively played notes and romantic flourishes. More's RCA discs are certainly worth owning, but for a close look at of one of his most charged outings one shouldn't miss El Barbaro del Ritmo. ~ Stephen Cook

Possibly the biggest star ever in his native Cuba, and a major player as a singer, songwriter and bandleader throughout the Latin world, the amazing singer on some of Perez Prado's biggest hits, leader of his own combos, and a heartthrob superstar solo singer, Beny dominated the world of Mambo singing from the 1940s on. Beny More is, in short, the greatest singer of popular music Cuba has ever produced. Experience the greatest hits of Beny at his peak! Rev-ola. 2006.