The most jazz-oriented of the elderly musicians in the Buena Vista Social Club, pianist Ruben Gonzalez was 77 at the time of this CD, his debut as a leader. Although he did not even own his own piano at the time, he plays brilliantly, performing a variety of traditional melodies plus two originals, often quoting other songs and really stretching himself. His chord voicings are distinctive and very inviting, his control of the piano is quite impressive, and the music sings its heart out. The CD was recorded spontaneously over a two-day period with Gonzalez mostly being the lead voice, assisted by trumpeter Manuel Mirabal (who has some fine solos), bassist Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, several percussionists, and occasionally three background singers. This set is impossible not to love. ~ Scott Yanow
Recorded at Egrem Studios, Havana, Cuba, April 1996. Includes liner notes by Nigel Williamson and Ruben Gonzalez.
Personnel: Rubén González (piano); Juan de Marcos González (vocals, background vocals); Antonio Rodriguez, Manuel "Puntillita" Licea (vocals); Richard Egües (flute); Manuel "El Guajiro" Mirabal (trumpet); Roberto García (congas, guiro); Carlos González (congas); Robert Garcia (bongos, cowbells, guiro); Carlos Puisseaux (guiro); Alberto Valdés (maracas); Amadito Valdés (timbales).
Audio Mixer: Jerry Boys.
Liner Note Author: Nigel Williamson.
Recording information: EGREM Studios, Havana, Cuba (04/1996).
Photographers: Cristina Piza; Lucy Duran.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Antonio M. Rodriguez; Kathryn Samson.
Arranger: Juan de Marcos González.
Personnel: Ruben Gonzalez (piano); Juan De Marcos Gonzalez (conductor, vocals); Manuel "Puntillita" Licea, Antonio "Maceo" Rodriguez (vocals); Richard Egues (flute); Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal (trumpet); Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez (bass); Roberto Garcia (bongos, guiro, cowbell); Amadito Valdes (timbales); Carlos Gonzalez (congas); Alberto "Virgilio" Valdes (maracas); Carlos Puisseaux (guiro).
Ruben Gonzalez Piano - Introducing...Ruben Gonzalez Songs
Ruben Gonzalez Piano - Introducing...Ruben Gonzalez Album Track Listing
Trk
Song
1
Enganadora, La
2
Cumbanchero - (Spanish)
3
Tres Lindas Cubanas
4
Melodia del Rio
5
Mandinga - (Spanish)
6
Siboney
7
Almendra
8
Tumbao
9
Como Siento Yo
Introducing...Ruben Gonzalez Music Review
Customer Introducing...Ruben Gonzalez Reviews
Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)
wonderful genius Wonderful cd, all my friends say it's a nice cd to have.Buy it quickly. Submitted by G.LUREL (GUADELOUPE FWI) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Reuben Gonzalez Piano Magic Wow- This is one of the finest Cuban music CDs I have heard, ranks up there with Buena Vista Social Club CD, Omara Portuondo, etc. Great improvisation, nice variety of Cuban/Latin piano music with rythmic accompaniment, not too jazzy. A warm afternoon, good barbecue, a cold Pacifico, a good cigar, throw in Gonzalez' piano music- doesn't get any better! You'll think you're in Cabo or Havana....
Bill G. Submitted by shipguy (Roseburg OR, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
The old dude can PLAY!!! One of the best CDs of 1996.After listening to this incredible music,I am a fired up Reuben Gonzalez fan(bought about six copies of this CD for friends and family.) Any man that can throw in a hint of Tchaikovski`s 1st piano concerto into a passionate and melodic latin groove is tops in my book...His style is cerebral, yet accessible (es musica para escuchando y para bailando.) His sense of rhythym and syncopation is nothing short of amazing! The content is strictly instrumental; piano backed by a superb small combo. The conga and trumpet work is at times fiery , at times lyrical and subdued. No wonder that back in the fifties, Dizzy Gillespie`s afro-latin jazz was infuenced by cats like him... Submitted by a reviewer (Feeding Hills,Ma,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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