Rating: NNN
Other than a vague reference to these previously unavailable recordings by legendary Cuban sonero Ibrahim Ferrer coming from “the vault of a record label in Havana” dating back to “the 1960s and 1970s,” there’s no specific information regarding the session players or the repertoire choices. The recording quality is acceptable, if poorly balanced, and performances are spirited, but Ferrer – best known for his masterful way with a bluesy ballad – sounds slightly out-of-sync shouting through mostly uptempo 70s salsafied swingers. It’s a novel turn, but most fans of Ferrer’s soulful contributions to the Buena Vista project would be better off with 2003’s Buenos Hermanos disc. Don’t miss the fabulous Ibrahim Ferrer at Roy Thomson Hall Saturday (July 10).
