Ruben Gonzalez - Introducing Ruben Gonzalez
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Free Music Notes for Introducing Ruben Gonzalez
Free Music Review: Emocionante de Principio a Fin
Hit: 5 Stars
Resulta curioso que siendo latinoamericano, haya conocido a tantos maestrso del sonido de nuestro continente a través de un artista estadounidense. Ry Cooder, a traves de Buenavista Social Club me introdujo al mundo de la musica tradicional cubana, toda una expresion popular, llena de vitalidad, talento y sensibilidad. Gracias a Ry Cooder, por entrar en un universo de sonidos unicos y proyectarlos al mundo. En cuanto a Ruben Gonzalez... Un maestro, un genio del piano... Un artista que despliega solidez, calidad, sentido musical y emocion en cada nota. Un hombre de musica, un artista en evidente dominio de su OFICIO. Esta palabra tal vez defina lo que sentimos quienes hemos escuchado a Ruben Gonzales, Barbarito Torres, Compay Segundo y demas exponentes del sonido de Cuba: artistas con Oficio y Amor por su musica. Un album recomendable en un 100%...Free Music Review: A slice of music history, and a bittersweet "What if?"
Hit: 5 Stars
In the midst of the sparkling, joyous cha-cha-cha, there's a melancholy tinge to this recording: as the liner notes suggest, it's a kind of snapshot of what might have been. Mr. Gonzalez is in his late seventies, poverty-stricken and arthritic. His being "discovered" appears to have come about partly because he was so hungry for access to a decent piano. We're listening here to the swan song of a genius who has had the misfortune of being a black man in Castro's Cuba, and who has therefore known the multiple oppressions of racism, Communism, and state-imposed poverty. Mr. Gonzalez improvises brilliantly on some of the later tracks, and there are indeed shades of a George Shearing or Erle Garner. So the CD raises the tantalizing question of where all this talent might have led, in a different time and place.Free Music Review: Outstanding -- one of the best disks I have ever heard.
Hit: 5 Stars
I am primarily a student of Classical music, but I find this album to be one of the best I have ever heard. Gonzalez is astonishing in his ability to modulate the tone of the music: one moment he will play with great bravura, another with a carefree relaxation that can only make one think of Cuba. He has a very sly sense of humor but always plays in a way that is natural and genial. The good-naturedness of the opening piece, La Enganadora, can hardly be surpassed, but I think Mandinga is truly one of the great moments in all the music I've heard. Every note is filled with life and spirit and an obvious love for the music. At the very end of the second piece, El Cumbanchero, you can just barely here someone (perhaps even Ruben himself) say, "Ta bien." Claro que si: -Muy- bien.Free Music Review: Music to the ears!!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
In more ways than one, this CD gets to you. As a Cuban, is music that brings you back to your roots. Ruben plays very smoothly and with a lot of feeling. It is incredible that he retains such ability at his age. Of course, he is a great artist, and to him this music is his life. He can play it in his sleep. He is refreshing and warm. His rendition of "melodia del rio" is so romantic that I kept playing it over and over. It was so relaxing and warm. This CD is a must to any collection of Cuban music. What a human interest story Ruben represents! He did not own a piano anymore and had not played for a while. He was all but forgotten. He has come alive again and a lot of us feel very proud of him and this music. To him, playing piano was like riding a bicycle. He did not forget!!!Free Music Review: Groovin' On Ruben!
Hit: 5 Stars
I recently went to a screening of an upcoming major film to find that the movie's musical soundtrack was handled by the legendary and great Danny Elfman. What did Elfman choose for a romantic comedy set in New York...the music from "Introducing...Ruben Gonzalez." One might think that the choice of a Cuban maestro would seem incongrous in a movie set in Manhattan and devoid of any Hispanic references. But Elfman's choice is perfect for the movie for the simple reason that Gonzalez music lends itself to many moods.
Ruben Gonzalez' piano is so evocative, that is simply impossible to go beyond a week -- a day, in my case -- without listening to it. If you loved the BV Social Club, I guarantee that you will worship this CD.