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DVDfever.co.uk – Gig Review: Orquesta Buena Vista Social ClubElly Roberts reviews
Live at Carnegie Hall:
The brand plays on… with plenty of spirit.
Had it not been for the bright sparks at World Circuit in 1996, and some help from Ry Cooder, this band wouldnt have even played this gig.
In just over two weeks in 1996 World Circuit recorded three albums in Havana Cuba Afro Cuban All Stars A Tode Cuba le Gusta, Introducing Ruben Gonzalez and finally Grammy winning Buena Vista Social Club.
Not even World Circuit could have predicted the impact the latter would have, selling in excess of 8 million copies, the success of the Wim Wenders film, and the live BVSC at Carnegie Hall released eventually in 2008.
Many of the original stars from the 1997 album and following Carnegie Hall live album have passed on. Seven are now dead including Compay Segundo, Ruben Gonzalez, and Ibrahim Ferrer. Some have retired or doing their own thing, but were still left with two originals Barbarito Torres and Manuel Guajiro Mirabal and an array of accomplished musicians, enough to re-create that wonderful album.
As part of their extensive autumn 19 date UK tour, the 13-piece band warmed up a chilly night on the north Wales coast, at Llandudnos plush Venue Cymru. It was almost a surreal show – warm Caribbean grooves thrust upon us as the wind howled outside.
This, their 14th night, the now virtually new band reminded us why the original concept became a cult, and commercial, success.
It has to be said that they didnt quite get the same reception of the originals at Carnegie, but a warm welcome ensued. We didnt quite know what to expect, because there were faces we instantly recognised, and now were effectively dealing with a new band carrying the baton. Except for band leader Jesus Ramos band-leader and trombonist, singer Carlos Calunga, who were wearing white suits, the remaining members were soberly dressed. Obviously some of the new generation see things differently, but it didnt quite work because they looked more like cabaret performers.
Also, from a fans perspective, there was a severe lack of content from the original album tracklisting it took up to song seven, almost half way through the night – before they hit anything recognisable the wonderful De Camino A La Vereda.
It was a slow build up until then, with occasional dancing from Ramos and Valdes, but all concerned proved they were worthy members especially pianist Ronaldo Luna (a rising star) who delivered some spellbinding moments. When Torres emerged centre stage for his solo on Bodas De Oro he was given a heroes welcome, and on El Carretero singer Idania Valdes showed a fine set of tubes though she lacked the sublime tones of Omara Portuondo, but she certainly brought the night alive.
One of the major highlights was a sort of call-and-response exhibition between on Sr. Trombon starring Ramos and Mirabal. After the scintillating display they gave each other an affectionate hug, followed by well deserved applause.
When they hit Chan Chan, the opener on the original album and the Carnegie gig, the atmosphere was raised again it was probably the THE one wed really waited for and it gave The Trumpet Of Cuba – Manuel Mirabal – a chance to give one of his best solo sequences of the night.Dropping-in 60s hit Quantalamera proved a masterstroke as it gave the crowd a chance to sing, and dance, closing the main set with a pulsating Tula to a standing ovation.
Back on stage after a short break, Carlos Calunga asked, You want more? in his Spanish accent .Yes they shrieked. Only one?. No they yelled even louder.So we got two Dos Gardenias and Candela from the original album, leaving us in doubt that the spirit of that idea over a decade ago, is well and truly alive.
The magic created way back then was definitely missing, but this is as close as youll get.
The verdict Long live Buena Vista Social Club.
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Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.