HOT SALSA : Compay Segundo

Sample of
Chan Chan
in Buenavista Social Club
(World Circuit)

CD selection :

Antologia de Compay Segundo
(Dro East West)

Son del monte
(Egrem ; 1996)

Buena vista social club
(avec Ry Cooder)
(World Circuit, 1997)

Lo mejor de la vida
(Dro East West, 1998)

To order

Living memory of the son, greatest ambassador of Oriente musics, one century old agent of cuban musical tradition, author of many pieces of anthology (whose Chan-Chan, was picked-up by Pablo Milanes),
Compay Segundo knew with the passing of time to forge and impose his style.

To that purpose he invented his instrument, the armonico, a guitar with 7 strings (like a 6 strings-guitar, but the third is double, with one an octave higher).

Its approximate tuning does not impair the charm, quite to the contrary ; and the style of Compay, stuffed with anticipations and ritardendos, inseminates the however minimal orchestra (guitar, double bass, maracas, armonico and voice) with a swing usually reserved for more important formations.

In 1997, helped by a world music label (World Circuit) seeking exact quality, the great American guitarist Ry Cooder (composer amongst other splendours, of the Paris-Texas movie's musical score), realizes the musical encounter with Compay. In company of some friends (Rubén Gonzalez, Ibrahim Ferrer, Eliades Ochoa... they mix their cultures to produce the album Buena Vista Social Club ; result : masterpiece. The CD is a miracle of elegance, sobriety, accuracy and depth.

Whoever has a drop of Spain, Africa, flamenco, rock'n'roll or blues in his blood will know that he reached the heart of music when listening to the luminous Chan-Chan, which opens this very exceptional record.

Let us add that the man, oldest musician in the world still under contract, is of a disarming kindness, and still has a sharp spark in his eye: he told HOT SALSA in confidence in June '97 during his Parisian tour that THREE fiancées awaited him in Cuba... but hush ! Let's spare him the scenes of jealousy if ever his darlings trail on the Net!

	Compay SEGUNDO Cuba
		Born in 1907 in Siboney, Francisco Repilado alias " Compay Segundo " always occupies the scenes with a rare vitality, in spite of his 90 years on the meter.