Posted on 08/06/2005 5:59:13 PM PDT by JellyJam
HAVANA (AP) — Ibrahim Ferrer, a leading voice with the hugely popular Buena Vista Social Club of vintage Cuban performers, died Saturday, his representative in Cuba said. He was 78.
The Montuno production company did not give a cause of death, but Ferrer’s colleagues said he suffered from emphysema and was feeling ill earlier in the week.
Known for his trademark cap and graying mustache, Ferrer was a wiry, animated figure who clearly enjoyed performing Cuba’s traditional “son” music of the 1940s and 1950s for new generations of fans.
Among a group of older Cuban performers recruited by U.S. musician Ry Cooder, Ferrer performed on the “Buena Vista Social Club album” that won a Grammy in 1999, and was among those appearing in the film of the same name.
“I felt like he was my brother,” said fellow Buena Vista performer, the guitarist Manuel Galban. “He was a great musician and a great companion.”
Also in 1999, Ferrer was featured in one of a string of albums that followed, “Buena Vista Social Club Presents Ibrahim Ferrer,” and won a Latin Grammy for best new artist in 2000.
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
BTTT.
Prayers for his family.
But seriosuly..who is this guy??
Never been to the Beuna Vista social club. Was it like the place that The Corleone's, the Senator, and Johnny Olah went to in Godfather 2?
Ry Cooder's name has helped bring attention to this session, but it's the veteran Cuban son musicians who make this album really special. Reminiscent of Ellington in its scope and sense of hushed romanticism, Buena Vista Social Club is that rare meld of quietude and intensity; while the players sound laid-back, they're putting forth very alive music, a reminder that aging doesn't mean taking to bed. Barbarito Torres's laoud solo on "El Cuarto de Tula" is both more blinding and more tasteful than any guitar showcase on any recent rock album; a quote from "Stormy Weather" and some very distinct parallels to Hawaiian styles remind us of why it's called "world music."
Too many Cuban cigars ?
The documentary DVD was great!
If you have a home stereo system, I highly recommend Gloria Estefan, LIVE & UNWRAPPED. Put it in the DVD player, turn the lights off and turn up the sound.
Sorry; that was in stereo.
Thanks for the link! Just checked it out and ordered several CD's I wasn't familiar with......
Did you notice all the 5-star reviews? That's how magical that album was. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.