Search - Jose Manuel Figueroa :: Best Of: Ultimate Collection

Two in one

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 10/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a combination of Jose Manuel Figueroa's self-named CD from 1998 and "Mala Hierba" from 1999, both in their entirety.

Jose Manuel's voice has a gentle, appealing quality, even when he is singing full voice, and the songs are melodic delights, all written by Jose Manuel's father, Joan Sebastian.

Sebastian, one of the great singer/songwriters Mexico has given the world, also produced this CD, and on some tracks (those from the earlier CD of the two) he plays acoustic guitar and banjo.

The musicianship throughout is superb, and on the level of one of Sebastian's own recordings.



Some of the outstanding numbers are "El Errante" and "Botellita de Tequila" from the self-titled CD, and "Alza El Vuelo", "Mala Hierba", "Sin Sal Ni Limon", and "La Fama del Muchacho" from the "Mala Hierba" CD. Jose Manuel usually does better with the up-tempo tracks, but taken as a whole, the entire compilation makes for wonderful listening. Sebastian's songs have a "musica tropical" feel to them, with a dash of Norteño, as in "La Fama del Muchacho". Some of the songs have fabulous horn arrangements, like "Si Quieres", which is one of the many numbers that are marvelous to dance to.



As well as being a terrific singer, Jose Manuel is an attractive, dynamic performer, but is unfortunately his own worst enemy, with a temperament that so far has impeded his career; hopefully someday his self-destructive tendencies will be resolved and he will get the audience his enormous talent deserves.

This CD is an excellent package at a good price, and will be appreciated by anyone who likes Figueroa, or the unique and lovely music of Joan Sebastian.

Total playing time is 62'58.

"