Search - Soneros de Verdad - Sounds of Cuba on DVD

What a disappointment!

Noah D. Bell | 07/03/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is terrible! All the songs are from the Buena Vista Social Club but are butchered. The musicians are constantly missing notes, they bring on "special" guests who can barely play their instruments. Save yourself the expense or at least rent this botched effort before you buy it."

I kept asking myself "what was missing" after watching

KP | Miami, FL United States | 08/17/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Then it struck me: there was no happiness on this video; none of the joy of Buena Vista is here.

Pio, clearly not in the best of health, does not seem to want to be there, and only performs one full song. It seems, as Ibrahim's family claimed was done to Mr. Ferrer shortly before his passing away, that poor Pio was "encouraged" to perform more than was advisable for his waning health in order to generate hard currency.

The musicians,well, it's about what you'd expect from Cubans. All done with no cuts, do-overs, etc., improvised on the spot, etc., but Cuban music is judged to different standards, and by those standards this is lacking a certain flair. The musicians were there, but so much of the emotion wasn't. I get the feeling Pio's condition was felt by the rest of the guys. How else could it be, when Cuban music is so driven by the instant communication of emotions between the artists?

At the beginning of the video, Pio is asked about his health, and he gives the international hand-signal for 'so-so.' The pretty much defines this release.

KP"

Rest in Peace, Pio!

MJ | USA | 03/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not quite sure what the other reviewer was watching but I know this, he must not have been coherent. This is an amazing piece of musical history and EVERYONE should check it out. Amazingly skilled musicians is all I hae to say. Rest in peace...Pio!"

Excelente musica cubana !!!

D. Guillen-nakamura | Gold Coast, Australia | 08/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Program:
1- Chan chan
2- Francisco Guayabal
3- Danzon y Son
4- A Buena Vista Barrio de la Habana
5- Instrumental y Bolero
6- Pena me Da
7- El Cuarto de Tula

Luis Frank is the host and leader sonero. Guillermo Rubalcaba is excellent at the piano, in a style similar to the late Ruben Gonzalez. Another great pianist, Jesus Rubalcaba, makes a short appearance. Daniel "Gordo" Ramos does a good job at the trumpet, and Jose Angel Espinosa plays the tres. This could have been one Pio Leyva's last appearances. The setting at Habana's Club Chan Chan highlights the traditional architecture. Highly recommended !!! I'm sad it's only 60 minutes long ..."