Ruben Gonzalez - Introducing Ruben Gonzalez
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Free Music Notes for Introducing Ruben Gonzalez
Free Music Review: Simply beautiful
Hit: 5 Stars
I hate to "ride the wave" of popular trends, but in the case of the musicians affiliated with the Buena Vista Social Club, the praise and adulation is fully deserved. I rented the film a few weeks ago and was blown away by the marvelous performances of these legends. I work in a CD store and I put this Ruben Gonzalez disc on our PA system at work the other day. In a span of about two hours I had at least a dozen people either ask me who the artist was or examine the CD case sitting on the counter. I've never seen such a wide variety of music fans show that kind of appreciation for one artist. Ruben Gonzalez isn't just some geriatric has-been who people are showing sympathy for due to his age -- the man would still be considered a stunning musician if he were 30! (he's 81, by the way). His command of the piano is breathtaking. Ry Cooder was right in his liner notes...Ruben sounds like a cross between Thelonious Monk and Felix the Cat. The music is sumptuous and Ruben's hands glide across the keyboard with utter grace. Whether or not you like Cuban music, it's impossible to resist the songs on this disc. I can't recommend it strongly enough.Free Music Review: The Past Re-Introducing Itself to the Ever-Emerging Present
Hit: 5 Stars
Ry Cooder once described Ruben Gonzalez as, "A Cuban cross between Thelonius Monk and Felix the Cat." Ruben Gonzalez is no Thelonius Monk...and I cannot really say if he is Felix the Cat...but he is definitely an extremely rare piece of jazz history...an "endangered species" of sorts in comparison to today's lacklustre jazz scene. Thanks to the re-emergence of mostly forgotten Cuban musicians in the late 90's through such vehicles as the Afro-Cuban All-Stars and the Buena Vista Social Club, the world...or at least a portion of it...has had the opportunity to experience a truly unique skill and sound that once flourished. This description of Ruben Gonzalez's music cannot do him justice. When you listen to him either pounding out or softly lifting notes off the piano keys, feelings of excitement, nostalgia, appreciation, comfort, and reflection can all rise to the surface. His skill is difficult to match; his love of music nearly impossible to emulate. Ruben Gonzalez "is" the music he creates and plays...a living example of the musical past re-introducing itself to the ever-emerging present.Free Music Review: The Incomparable Ruben Gonzalez!!
Hit: 5 Stars
If you know anything about Ry Cooder you can imagine that he's heard a few piano players, so discover for yourself why he says Ruben Gonzalez is "the best piano soloist I've ever heard". Mr. Gonzalez is undeniably incredible! When this CD was first released I played it for everyone that entered my home, and without exception, those who heard it immediately purchased a copy for themselves. All three albums recorded in Cuba during the 'Buena Vista Social Club' sessions would rate 5 stars here, but this is by far my favorite, if you only want one of these Cuban/Latin masterpieces, this is the one I recommend. The selections, Cumbanchero, Mandinga, Siboney, and Tumbao stand alone as inspired performances, and the remaining pieces although somewhat more subtle, are still beyond beautiful. Melodia Del Rio, and Como Siento Yo are very romantic, for those so inclined, and if you think Latin music played by old guys might be dated, just listen to Tumbao and tell me you're not expecting a killer Carlos Santana guitar solo at any moment. A very hot album indeed!Free Music Review: A letter of thanks to a truly gifted musician.
Hit: 5 Stars
Dear Senor Ruben Gonzales,Thank you very much for the wonderful songs that you played in this album. This is the first time that I bought a CD and was completely satisfied after listening to it. I wish we could have more of your music for the sound you make is truly beautiful. I was listening to your CD the other night and I could not help but to imagine that I am in a beautiful place sipping champagne and free of any troubles and hassles associated with the city life. I wish I could see you someday but if that chance may never come I could always play your CD and feel like your playing personally for me. Your music is so intimate that it seems to transplant you to an entirely different environment. I will take care of this CD so that someday my children will also have the opportunity to listen to your music. Again, thank you very much and may God bless you with longer life so that you can continue playing the music that could enriched our lives.
Respectfully yours, Rene R. Cabanza
Free Music Review: Never heard a piano played like this before!!
Hit: 5 Stars
I have been follwing Buena Vista Social Club for about 2 years now. But, to my disappointment the last time these men performed together was in 1998. Huge heartache for me. I did not know that each and everyone of them have released their own cd's. I ordered Ruben Gonzalez's cd because this man can play a piano like no other. I am sure Liberace had never met this man before and lucky for him he didn't he would of retired at an early age! Who knew that listening to piano cuban jazz could knock you out of your seat with hardly any words, now that is amazing. You will find your self taping your feet and shaking your shoulders! No matter what kind of mood I am in, this music always lifts my spirits and makes me want to go out and dance! This man has soul and he passes it to you in this cd of, Introducing... Ruben Gonzalez. This cd also works for that romantic touch, sets the mood just right.