Las Flores de la Vida

Las Flores de la Vida

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 2001
At 93, the man who came to international fame with Buena Vista Social Club is making some of the most celebratory music of his career. And some of the most adventurous, arranging his distinctive son forms for a band that, unusually, includes clarinets. Nor does he need to be front and center all the time, playing second banana to Hugo Garzo's Satchmo-like growl on "Amor de Loca Juventud," or harking back 60 years to a song he cowrote, "Te Doy la Vida," with son Basilio on lead vocals. There's plenty of charm, of course, and some luminous love songs on this record, not just to women, but a love of life itself. Segundo has come to be the embodiment of Cuban son, and his work here does nothing to diminish that reputation. He even closes the set with his version of an ineffably Cuban song, "Guantanamera," done simply because he'd never recorded it before. Self-indulgent? Not in the least. Simply more glorious music from someone who's finally receiving his international due. --Chris Nickson

Las Flores de la Vida,Compay Segundo,Nonesuch,Afro-Cuban Jazz,Cuban,Latin,Latin Jazz,Tropical,World Music

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Las Flores de la Vida
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Farewell to Compay Segundo
  • Music that surpasses age and nationality
  • Hecha!
  • dreamy and romantic
  • A Flowing Tribute to Cuban Music
Las Flores de la Vida
Compay Segundo
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

CubaCuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Latin JazzLatin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Lo Mejor de la Vida
  2. Calle Salud
  3. Yo Vengo Aqui
  4. Gracias Compay: The Definitive Collection
  5. Duets

ASIN: B000050663
Release Date: 2001-02-13

Tracks:

  1. La Negra Tomasa
  2. Ataidi 'Las Flores De La Vida'
  3. Oui Parle Francais
  4. Juramento
  5. Enamorada
  6. Amor De Loca Juventud
  7. Te Apartas De Mi
  8. Te Doy La Vida
  9. El Beso Discreto
  10. Longina
  11. Desvelo De Amor
  12. Cazabe Y Macho
  13. Guantanamera

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

At 93, the man who came to international fame with Buena Vista Social Club is making some of the most celebratory music of his career. And some of the most adventurous, arranging his distinctive son forms for a band that, unusually, includes clarinets. Nor does he need to be front and center all the time, playing second banana to Hugo Garzo's Satchmo-like growl on "Amor de Loca Juventud," or harking back 60 years to a song he cowrote, "Te Doy la Vida," with son Basilio on lead vocals. There's plenty of charm, of course, and some luminous love songs on this record, not just to women, but a love of life itself. Segundo has come to be the embodiment of Cuban son, and his work here does nothing to diminish that reputation. He even closes the set with his version of an ineffably Cuban song, "Guantanamera," done simply because he'd never recorded it before. Self-indulgent? Not in the least. Simply more glorious music from someone who's finally receiving his international due. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Farewell to Compay Segundo.......2003-07-19

Born on November 18, 1907 in Siboney, Cuba, Maximo Francisco Repilado Munoz (better known as "Compay Segundo") died of kidney failure on July 13, 2003 in Havana, Cuba. Farewell to an unbelievably charismatic and talented musician. Known for his sporty, Borsalino-style hats and trademark cigars, Segundo was truly young at heart and rich in sound. He reemerged in popularity in 1997 with the Buena Vista Social Club documentary and CD. With the passing of segundo, the world has lost a truly unique and irreplaceable sound.

5 out of 5 stars Music that surpasses age and nationality.......2003-05-06

It seems incredible that a singer can still be singing when in his 90's. I was prepared to make allowances for his age, but no, that's not necessary.

The familiar "Guatanamera" comes across as a fresh arrangement, and the less familiar soon become favorites. That is my experience here.

This is for those who enjoy Cuban music and a CD which will easily win new converts. Very highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Hecha!.......2001-03-19

Compay does it again. Compay's appearence has everything: superb music, flawless pacing, and the most charming frontman ever. This album opens with "La Negra Tomasa" which takes you away immediatly to the tropical pearl of the south, Cuba. Seconded by "Las Flores De La Vida," the most beautiful song on the album. "Oui Parle Francais" is a song that will have you on your feet in no time. Then to settle you down Compay plays "Juramento" and "Enamorada". Number six, "Amor De Loca Juventud," is a wonderful song, especially when Compay's son, Basilio, does a rendition of the great Louis Armstrongs voice. The album continues at a medium to fast pace until number twelve, "Cazabe y Macho". This is a song full of power and emotion. The album is ended by the timeless "Guantanamera". I don't care what the previous reviewer said about Celia Cruz's version being the best. Compay's version of "Guantanamera" is beyond comparison. And being that Compay is the greatest living Cuban musician, I think Celia would agree. This is a great album to buy if you want to expierence the greatest music on the planet, la musica de Cuba.

3 out of 5 stars dreamy and romantic.......2001-03-13

I enjoyed most of this romantic album except for #6 Amor de Loca Juventud. It started out as a pretty song but then, halfway through the song, an awful-sounding voice speaking some English lyrics jarred me out of my dreamy mood. He sounded like a very raspy Wolfman Jack. I thought that his voice and his "yeah, baby" ruined the song and that is why this cd only gets 3 stars instead of 4. There is a lovely slow dance version of Guantanamera but no one can top Celia Cruz's version. Although you don't need the English translations to enjoy his music, it is an extra pleasure to read them and get more out of Segundo's music.

5 out of 5 stars A Flowing Tribute to Cuban Music.......2001-02-15

After being exposed to traditional Cuban music with the Buno Vista Social Club, I was delighted to find Compay Segundo to further my discovery into this beautiful sound. A relaxing listen, it is both upbeat and complex in its melodies. I highly reccomend this purchase, and look forward to hearing other works by this artist.
Las Flores de la Vida
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Las Flores de la Vida
    Compay Segundo
    Manufacturer: Wea/Warner
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    CubaCuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
    Latin JazzLatin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B00005HT5Q
    Release Date: 2003-07-21

    Tracks:

    1. Negra Tomasa
    2. Ataidi "Las Flores de la Vida"
    3. Oui Parle Francais
    4. Juramento
    5. Enamorada [Version]
    6. Amor de Loca Juventud
    7. Te Apartas de Mi
    8. Te Doy la Vida
    9. El Beso Discreto
    10. Longina
    11. Desvelo de Amor
    12. Cazabe y Macho
    13. Guantanamera
    Calle Salud/Las Flores de La Vida
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Calle Salud/Las Flores de La Vida
      Compay Segundo
      Manufacturer: Dro Atlantic
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
      InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B000P298S8
      Release Date: 2006-05-29
      Las Flores de la Vida
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Las Flores de la Vida
        Compay Segundo
        Manufacturer: Musicrama/Koch
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
        Latin JazzLatin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B0000DENT0
        Release Date: 2000-11-16

        Tracks:

        1. Negra Tomasa
        2. Ataidi "Las Flores de la Vida"
        3. Oui Parle Francais
        4. Juramento
        5. Enamorada [Version]
        6. Amor de Loca Juventud
        7. Te Apartas de Mi
        8. Te Doy la Vida
        9. El Beso Discreto
        10. Longina
        11. Desvelo de Amor
        12. Cazabe y Macho
        13. Guantanamera
        Las Flores de la Vida
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Las Flores de la Vida
          Compay Segundo
          Manufacturer: Phantom Sound & Vision
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
          Latin JazzLatin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000A2PM56
          Release Date: 2000-12-20

          Tracks:

          1. Negra Tomasa
          2. Ataidi "Las Flores de la Vida"
          3. Oui Parle Francais
          4. Juramento
          5. Enamorada [Version]
          6. Amor de Loca Juventud
          7. Te Apartas de Mi
          8. Te Doy la Vida
          9. El Beso Discreto
          10. Longina
          11. Desvelo de Amor
          12. Cazabe y Macho
          13. Guantanamera
          Las Flores de la Vida
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Las Flores de la Vida
            Compay Segundo
            Manufacturer: Wea International
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            CubaCuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
            Latin JazzLatin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B00008G5EQ
            Release Date: 2001-01-02

            Tracks:

            1. Negra Tomasa
            2. Ataidi "Las Flores de la Vida"
            3. Oui Parle Francais
            4. Juramento
            5. Enamorada [Version]
            6. Amor de Loca Juventud
            7. Te Apartas de Mi
            8. Te Doy la Vida
            9. El Beso Discreto
            10. Longina
            11. Desvelo de Amor
            12. Cazabe y Macho
            13. Guantanamera

            Jazz Music:

            1. Last Radio Broadcast [Import]
            2. Locos de Amor
            3. Los Duenos del Estilo
            4. Los Esenciales [Import]
            5. Los Ninos Que Escriben [Import]
            6. Luz y Vida del Nuevo Milenio
            7. Más Sabroso
            8. Mariposa Traiconera
            9. Merengue en la Calle 8 2001
            10. Merengue en la Calle 8 '95

            Jazz Music

            jazz music