Buena Vista Social Club Presents
Edinburgh Usher Hall
17th March, 2007

View: front row grand circle panorama

Ten years on from the landmark release of the original Ry Cooderproduced Buena Vista Social Club album, and Wim Wenders’ wonderful feature-length documentary that followed in its mighty wake, the stunning 12- piece ensemble of surviving Buena Vista members and some very capable new recruits are greeted by a sell-out crowd at Usher Hall. With the band under the direction of trombonist Aguaje Ramos and featuring trumpet supremo Guajiro Mirabal, guitarist Manuel Galban, lute maestro Barbarito Torres and bassist extraordinaire Cachaito Lopez, what follows is an effortlessly flamboyant showcase of consummately delivered afrocuban magic, drawn from across the entire Buena Vista catalogue.

Highlights of what is never less than a thoroughly triumphant performance include an instrumental reading of Quizas Quizas, featuring Manuel Galban; musical tributes to the late great pianist Rubén González and Ibrahim Ferrer (which take the form of the piano showcases Como Siento Yo and Chanchullo); and a revisiting of Ferrer’s signature tune, Dos Gardenias.

Veterans Compay Segundo, González and Ferrer might sadly be absent from the original all-star collective, but the unmistakable Buena Vista spirit lives on.

Reviewed by Grahame Bent
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