Search - Jorge Negrete :: Coleccion Original

An operatic voice

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 09/24/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a nice introduction CD to the abundance of works of singing matinee idol Jorge Negrete. Long before my time, well maybe not so long, but before nonetheless, Negrete was one of those charismatic thin mustachioed singing charro ( Mexican cowboy) types who flickered across the black and white big screen. His popularity positioned him for greatness alongside such departed idolos(idols) as Pedro Infante, Javier Solis, Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Javier Solis, all of ranchera music fame. The difference and what seperates Negrete from the others was a voice that was suited for opera. On this disc Negrete shows his talents and range was indeed suited for opera. His career desire early in life was to become an opera singer and it is clearly evident as you listen to him sing. It seems the desire never left him as his treatment of ranchera songs resonates with the qualities of an opera singer. This is a beautiful collection of songs, at times deeply melancholic, at others richly playful but always classic. The fact that this music is from a bygone era is a refreshing alternative to todays music, not as a replacement but as a change of pace. Negrete has the ability to make his notes linger for what seems like minutes, leaving you lost in a different time and place. Familiar songs sound completely original as only the Negrete treatment can do. Take the song by Jose Alfredo Jimenez, "El Jinete" for example, that features Negrete streching his voice to extremes like a vocal gymnist. He begins as though warming up with la, la, la, la's before ripping into the mournful song that is complimented by a trio that sounds like those made popular by Los Panchos(very well could be them). Negrete sings in high and low notes with a range that is quite impressive. His treatment of "Preciosa" has a beauitiful Spanish feel to it with once again a trio accompanyment that sounds like Los Panchos. Although there are some songs with a trio most are of the mariachi variety or combination of both. Negrete's music is full of nationalism, clearly Mexican, and most evident on "Yo Soy Mexicano" where he sings proudly of his suerte(luck) in being born Mexican and you can all but picture him riding his horse in full charro regalia. He sings about the country of Mexico, the lovely land and flowers that are only comparative to the women in beauty in "Esos Altos de Jalisco." The collection of songs is perfect for someone who is unfamiliar with Negrete because it is a limited collection and for starters is probably just right to get accustomed to the music of yesteryear. As many of the recently rereleased CD's from the fifties and before, the disc comes without liner notes. If you have never heard Negrete than this is a good place to start and if you are interested you might want to check out some of his old movies."