Ibrahim Ferrer - Buenos Hermanos
This release, originally out in 2003, already has quite a track record; the second album from the late and much-beloved singer with the Buena Vista Social Club won a GRAMMY Award back then for Best Traditional Tropical Latin album. Here's a chance to get reacquainted with Ferrer's masterpiece and hear it like never before. Producer Ry Cooder went back into the studio and remixed the entire album and while he was at it he found four songs from the Havana recording sessions that were not released on the original album which are presented here for the first time ever. So you have familiar cuts like the African-influenced "Boquinene," the Santana-esque "La Musica Cubana" and the Tito Puente-recalling "Buenos Hermanos" ready to reveal new delights through your headphones, and newly-added cuts like the sedate "Ojos Malvados," the relaxed ode to the fairer sex that is "Mujer" and the dance groove of "Ven Conmigo Guajira" waiting to reveal their charm for the first time. Ferrer's warm vocals shine throughout whether he's in a party mood or being reflective. World Circuit has spared no expense in packaging the album as this precious keepsake deserves; pressed on 180-gm vinyl, the 2-LP set is packed in a sturdy gatefold jacket and includes a booklet featuring lyrics in Spanish and English as well as a new introduction penned by Cooder.