Tiempo Libre's members were all classically trained at Cuba's premiere conservatories during a time when it was illegal to listen to American songs on the radio. Now, the group is a hit in the U.S. and abroad, celebrated for its incendiary, joyful performances of timba, an irresistible, dance-inducing mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son. It is their mission to proudly share their musical heritage through their concerts, workshops, master classes with as wide an audience as possible, reinterpreting and reinvigorating traditional Cuban music with a youthful, modern sound and forging a new style incorporating their Afro-Cuban roots and their new American experience.
Their debut CD for Sony Masterworks, BACH IN HAVANA, unites the two musical worlds of the Tiempo Libre's Cuban childhoods. The album connects the rhythm and sensibilities of Afro-Cuban music with the compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach and features special guest appearances by the legendary Paquito D'Rivera and Cuban-born sax player, Yosvany Terry.
Born from a land where cultures collide and worlds merge, the music of Cuba is mysterious and seductive, earthly and otherworldly, intoxicating and irresistible. Now with BACH IN HAVANA, Tiempo Libre's members continue to simultaneously walk in two distinct worlds and celebrate the universality of music.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful: By This review is from: Bach in Havana (Audio CD) Tiempo Libre scores a big goal in my book with their latest album, "Bach in Havana." "Bach in Havana" features Tiempo Libre's expertise at adapting themselves and their musical style to just about any form of music; and I'm extremely impressed. What an album this is! It's far from being just classical music and it's not just Tiempo Libre--Tiempo Libre has pulls off the seemingly impossible feat of actually merging the two genres of music seamlessly; and the result is one heck of a CD! The quality of the sound on this album is excellent and I really like that artwork, too.
Whether I'm listening to "Tu Conga Bach" or a fine rendition of "Air on a G String;" I just never cease to be amazed, to say the least. I can't believe how creative they were to achieve this great an album--it's a treat for their fans. As always, Tiempo Libre plays their music spot on; they never skip a beat and the music reflects careful forethought and a level of professional craftsmanship that I...Read more 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Bach in Havana (Audio CD) Bach's chord walks are so rich and monumental that jazz musicians the world over have been tempted at some point to build on them. The difficulty lies in how to seamlessly blend and balance the classical and jazz forms. Too little improvisation results in a merely rearranged Bach piece. Too much improvisation overwhelms his beautiful and sometimes delicate structures. As such, there are many "just right" pieces in this CD, especially on the keyboard side. There are also a few misses, both in the too little and too much categories.
All in all, this is a infectiously fun and deeply satisfying CD. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: By Marcos "salsero" (California, USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Bach in Havana (Audio CD) There is good stuff to listen to in this album, however after a few listens I got a little bored of it. I really loved their 2 previously Grammy nominated albums, but this Baroque meets 21st century Cuba didn't quite hit home.
I know a lot of people are raving about how great it is, and certainly it is good. But it is more music for listening only as oppossed to the norm with Cuban music, which tends to be very danceable. The percussion is still playing a lot of Cuban rhythms, but the Piano does Bach instead of Guajeos and Montunos. So if you are more into Jazz or Classical music this might be a good fit. |