Clasicas De Jose Alfred Jiminez

 (3 customer reviews)

Ranchera's greatest living singer pays tribute to the finest composer of the genre. Vicente's unbelievably strong voice brings out the full range of emotion and yes, machismo associated with these classics, most of which will be familiar to appreciators of 20th-century Mexican music. Vicente's performance of "Camino de Guanajuato" alone is worth the price of the CD. Although the grieving lyric expresses that "la vida no vale nada," the effect upon the listener is pure life-embracing joy, not unlike how listening to hard-earned American blues can be an ironically uplifting experience. This CD is amongst the best of all Vicente's many albums, and would serve as a fine introduction not only to his ouvre, but also to the genius of Jose Alfredo Jiminez, the composer of all the songs.

It is only fitting that arguably Mexico's greatest contemporary ranchero singer paid tribute to the greatest composer and singer of the genre. Vicente Fernadez, he of the perpetual jet black mustache and hair, in spite of his age( a dye job that looks like shoe polish was applied!) has recorded numerous albums and has one of the strongest voices you have ever heard. On this disc there is a certain contained reverence to not out do the original, Jose Alfredo Jimenez. As in his latest release, where he interprets the songs of another great Mexican composer, Agustin Lara, there is a restrained Vicente Fernadez. Known during his live performances to gradually lower the mic to his stomach , while maintaining some incredible decibel level and bellowing out the notes as though the mic were stil near his mouth, Chente has one of those voices that doesn't come around very often. The songs on this disc are all beautiful El Rey songs with fresh arrangements, slightly different than the...Read more

Jose Alfredo with a twist. Vincente has kind of a high pitched voice but this is worth listening to. Great for spanish students. Real mariachi singing. Highly recommend to others.