Buena Vista Social Club (Orquestra Buena Vista)

I first came across the Buena Vista Orchestra when I saw an advert on Amazon for an album called Buena Vista Social Club at Carnegie Hall. And there started a musical journey which has introduced me to some truly great musicians, many of whom were living in obscurity (even within their own country) following the Castro revolution.

These musicians were not only great players, they were legends; instrumental in creating the musical fabric of Cuba and wider Latin music. The album was recorded in 1998 and by the time it was released in 2008, many of the stars who made it had died, but not before their dreams had been exceeded with many enjoying international fame, travelling and celebrity status; a fitting epitaph to those concerned. Their popularity continues and some of the remaining members still tour today in Orquestra Buena Vista ... which brings me to the title: I will see them live for the first time in 15 days.

I had the privilege of seeing Eliades Ochoa, custodian of the Buena Vista Social Club anthem, Chan Chan play live at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall earlier this year. No drummer, just a congero who also happened to play cowbells and bongos at the same time with impeccable taste and skill. Add a pianist, a guiro player, a tres/guitarist, bass player and two trumpeters and you have a blistering set-up that had even the super-conservative Brits on their feet.

Their CDs are rarely off my hi-fi or iPod. If want something to broaden your musical experience, challenge your sense of time and move you forward then I recommend that you check out Buena Vista Social Club.

Here are a few albums and DVDs that will introduce you to their music ... and introduce them to your heart!

Buena Vista Social Club CDs

Buena Vista Social Club

Buena Vista Social Club at Carnegie Hall


Buena Vista Social Club DVDs

Buena Vista Social Club [1999] [DVD]

Buena Vista Social Club [DVD] [1999]