Search - Omara Portuondo, Chucho Valdes :: Desafios

Old "Feeling", New "Filin"

Omar Villarrubia | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 02/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"During the late 50's and 60's (last century), a variation of the bolero was developed within the Caribbean Basin (Cuba,Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Panama, Colombia..etc) and MexicoBeing countries of a highly "boleristic" tradition, new approaches were introduced to the bolero expression. These new approaches took harmonic and melodic concepts from modern jazz and incorporate them into the bolero.The result, well...., a very rich, innovative and sophisticated way of "bolering" which was called at the time "Feeling" (pronounced "Filin" in spanish). The approach did not have much of a commercial impact, and as most avant garde efforts, remained within a group of of highly commited followers like a well guarded secret. The movement itself dilluted within the 70's due to the major shifts the musical world went through those days. Even jazz was affected.This new CD, "Desafios" is a monumental tribute to this movement. To start, is is just a voice (Omara) and a piano (Chucho). Feeling was typically played in small ensembles (not large orchestras). From here a deep sense of intimacy. Omara Portuondo, participated extensively in the "Feeling" arena in Cuba. Chucho Valdes, on the other hand is one of the premiere jazz piano players of the world today. No electronics, acoustic piano and a human voice, in a very intimate concert......Umbeatable, a collectors item....Enjoy the "Filin"! (No commercial attrachments)."

Beautiful Sound

ramito | 04/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply amazing! Omara's voice is one of the very best. Together with Cucho Valdes, another Cuban legend, this CD is well worth a listen."

Acoustic elegance

ramito | San Diego, CA USA | 11/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do no miss this - Omara's voice & Chucho's piano are simply beautiful together. My favorite of the 4 cds of hers I could find."