100% Azucar: The Best of Celia Cruz (Con La Sonora Matancera)

Celia Cruz is a very talented artist. Her music speaks of the rich Cuban culture from which her experience grows. In this particular collection, Cruz sings songs of celebration in her native Spanish tongue, as well of songs of praise and reverence to Santeria/Yoruba orishas in the Yoruba language. And one need not be fluent in Spanish and/or Yoruba to appreciate Celia's music. Her lively rythms and honey-coated voice carry the beat straight to your feet (by way of the heart). This is a collection that all are sure to enjoy.

"100% Azucar" is the perfect introduction to the magic that was Celia Cruz. Recorded when she was the vocalist for the legendary Sonora Matancera, this is Celia Cruz at her best, which is saying a lot. Celia was the Queen of Latin Music, and there will never be another one like her. AZUCAR!!!

I just cannot say enough good things about this album! Celia Cruz and La Sonora Matancera are just fantastic. This is music recorded, mostly, around 1951, which was during the Golden Age of Cuban jazz, when Rita Montaner and the other pioneers of this music were still alive. Artists combined the conga drums with sacred rhythms of Santeria into their songs, and they even sang their praises openly in some of the songs - which Celia does on at least one of the cuts. The music is so moving, and her voice is so entrancing and captivating, that she absolutely puts a spell on her listeners. It is amazing how, is Mexico, for instance, all living generations seem to know most of these songs by heart. This music - that is to say, these exact songs, and these versions of them - were probably the most popular Cuban recordings of all time. Everywhere in Latin America, Celia is still number one, because her music is truly immortal - which is a phrase that is bandied about with great alacrity, I...Read more