Mercedes Sosa - 30 AA±os

Mercedes Sosa: 30 years singing all over the world!

Mercedes Sosa (1935) is one of the greatest Argentinean folk singer!
She jumps to public attention when she was fifteen years old winning a singer's radio contest in Tucuman, her natal Province. From that point on she continues growing up as a notorious figure in the folk singers medium.
Due to difficult political situation at Argentina in 1979 she was forced into exile by military Junta, revisited Argentina briefly in 1982, giving a live recital and returned definitely in 1984 with the arrival of democracy.

The songs of this CD reflect Mercedes' musical life, not only Argentinean music but a wide and rich Latin American repertoire.
"La Maza" and "Unicornio" from Cuban Silvio Rodriguez's repertoire. In the first one, the author of the song interrogates the audience, in poetical language, about what will be songs & music without substance. The second one is a melancholic song from one who has los his Blue Unicorn and searches it desperately. Both songs are sung with deep compromise by Mercedes.
"Maria, Maria" authored by Brazilians Milton Nascimento & Fernando Brant, with unmistakable afro rhythm is interpreted brilliantly by Sosa.
Chilean composer Violeta Parra contributes with a top notch composition: "Gracias a la Vida" with Mercedes giving way to all her sentiment.
"La Arenosa" whose text is authored by Manuel J. Castilla and music composed by Cuchi Leguizamon, two well known folklorists and traditional motive "Luna Tucumana" are compositions more in line with Mercedes' usual compilations.
"Alfonsina y el Mar" whose text is authored by Felix Luna and music composed by Ariel Ramirez, tells the tragic end of poet Alfonsina Storni. Mercedes give a pungent interpretation.

These are only some of the themes that compose this beautiful album. You shouldn't miss it by all means!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
October 30, 2007

Sublime Hispanic Experience

If you haven't heard Mercedes Sosa's song, there are some tracks on this compile that will convert you to fandom. This Argentinian woman, whose mixed descenet seems to have supplied her with all the good singing genes, was born in 1935. She has the most marvellous voice, fresh as the dawn and as crystal clear. Particularly moving is 'Gracias a la Vida' (more famously sung by Joan Baez, but Sosa's version is divine). I love this CD and it can lift me out of the doldrums in a wink. If you buy this, maybe also get the 2001 CD of 'Missa Criolla' as the Sosa version is fabulous. Her voice is mellow, but timeless, young-sounding and pure without affectation. July 16, 2006

Thought provoking folklore

I bought this CD for a single track. A track I remember my late father playing when I was kid. I was extremely pleased to find the entire album a worthwhile listening experience. It's folklore with a message at it's best. It's thought provoking, yet also soothing and relaxing. March 3, 2006

Sosa's voice is the kind that goes into ones soul

I don't speak nor understand spanish, yet some songs made me cry and other made me dance or sing out loud. February 23, 2006

One savors every lyric...

I first heard Mercedes Sosa several years ago on my first trip to Argentina when I was a young man, fresh out of university. I was captivated by her grace and singing then and she reminded me a lot of Montserrat Caballé of Spain, whom I saw at the Edinburgh Festival one August when I was still a college student. 30 Años is a very powerful yet romantic album. It's the kind of album you want to play when making a passionate love to your wife. Mercedes Sosa's voice penetrates to your heart and gives you that additional kick which brings out the most poetic, tender passion in you. In this CD one savors every lyric of each song that Sosa masterfully interprets. My favorite song is Alfonsina Y El Mar. Buy it, you will love it. December 11, 2005

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