This group does the seemingly impossible task of mixing Bach
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/27/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tiempo Libre scores a big goal in my book with their latest album, "Bach in Havana." "Bach in Havana" features Tiempo Libre's expertise at adapting themselves and their musical style to just about any form of music; and I'm extremely impressed. What an album this is! It's far from being just classical music and it's not just Tiempo Libre--Tiempo Libre has pulls off the seemingly impossible feat of actually merging the two genres of music seamlessly; and the result is one heck of a CD! The quality of the sound on this album is excellent and I really like that artwork, too.
Whether I'm listening to "Tu Conga Bach" or a fine rendition of "Air on a G String;" I just never cease to be amazed, to say the least. I can't believe how creative they were to achieve this great an album--it's a treat for their fans. As always, Tiempo Libre plays their music spot on; they never skip a beat and the music reflects careful forethought and a level of professional craftsmanship that I rarely hear or enjoy from current artists these days.
Highlights of this album would have to include "Fuga (Cha-cha-chá) (Based on Sonata in D Minor, BWV 964, II. Fuga-Allegro)" which gets a most animated treatment; that piano is so elegant! The brass works wonders for this number, too. "Air on a G String (Bolero) (Based on Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air on a G String)" stuns me with its beauty; this is a major highlight of this album and they deliver this with a smooth jazz sound that is perfect for kicking back and relaxing after a long, hard day at work with a glass of your favorite wine. Now THIS is perfection!
I also like the lively and engaging "Clave in C Minor (Guaguancó) (Based on Prelude No. 2 in C minor, BWV 847);" the piano work is sublime and mixed with the brass this number doesn't lack a thing--this is all that good. "Minuet in G" gets the royal treatment from these talented artists; and that's grand. There's yet another gem in "Baqueteo con Bajo (Danzón);" I really like the way this sounds--this is very high quality control music.
"Timbach (Timba) (Inspired by the D Major Prelude, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1)" is very well done; and the album ends strong with Tiempo Libre performing "Kyrie (Batá) (Inspired by Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: I. Kyrie)." This sensitive arrangement leaves me wanting more!
After you hear this CD for the first time, don't be surprised if you find yourself hitting the "play" button on your CD player over and over again. Tiempo Libre came out with a flawless album that is a real treat for their fans; and people who enjoy true creativity with appreciate the music on this album."
A Great Cup of Coffee!
brujos1 | Running Springs, California USA | 05/27/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to this choice blend of Cuban jazz and J.S. Bach is like savoring a great cup of coffee. I can hear the joy of every note."
BRAVO!
LyonR | Oregon | 05/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm listening to Bach in Havana as I type. This is my favorite Tiempo Libre CD. The arrangements and performances are first rate. The music touches my heart and soul. I'm filled with joy."