Gloria Estefan - Mi Tierra

Cuban American singer Gloria Estefan was a mainstream pop balladeer and dance music queen who happened to be Latina before taking a surprising turn in Mi Tierra and reclaiming her roots. Singing in Spanish, impeccably produced and backed by a superb ensemble that includes 79-year-old maestro Israel Lopez "Cachao" on bass (he is only the creator of mambo itself), arranger Juanito Marquez, and singer and percussionst Luis Enrique, Estefan delivers worthy reinterpretations and updates of traditional Afro-Cuban styles. It might be too smooth for traditionalists--who may also object to Estefan's delivery, not that of classic sonera--but as an introduction to the music, it is engaging and the playing of the ensemble is true and impeccable. --Fernando Gonzalez Amazon.com essential recording

BUY it

Another MUST have for any Gloria fan! Great romantic songs and great shake it songs! This one has has never left my car since I purchased it! January 11, 2008

El mejor

"Mi Tierra" es sin género de dudas el mejor album latino de Gloria, ni siquiera superado por "90 Millas".
Todas las canciones podrían ser la cara A de un single ... Mi tierra, Hablemos el mismo idioma, ...
Es un gran homenaje a sus raíces cubanas que tanto añora.
Indispensable en cualquier salsoteca
December 23, 2007

What a stunning album

I always considered Estefan a talented but too pop-oriented for my taste. But this collection of Cuban songs sung in Spanish was a revelation. Absolutely brilliant recording! October 26, 2007

magical and transformative music......

From the opening bars of the beautiful "Con Los Años Que Me Quedan" (translation: "With the Years I have Left"), the luscious and seamless sounds of Gloria Estefan's heavenly music on MI TIERRA (MY HOMELAND) fill my heart with tenderness and longing. This wonderful ballad provides just a little taste of the range and brilliance of the music of Cuba, the country of Gloria Estefan's soul and rich heritage. How lucky are we that Estefan chose to share the music of her heart with us.

We hear a little bit of everything, from son montuno (a variation on the son, a typical Afro-Cuban rhythm) on "Si Senor! Es Mi Son!" to montuno on "Montuno" (another rhythmic traditional type of music whose influence is often heard in salsa, and transcends nationality, rooted in its uptempo beat). The lyrics in these pieces (translated into English) are pure poetry. They are filled with rich romantic imagery, passion, longing, pain and joy. Several were penned by Estefan and husband Emilio. They include "Mi Tierra (My Homeland)," "No Hay Mal Que Por Bien No Venga (Out of All Bad, Some Good Things Come)" and "Hablemos El Mismo Idioma (Let's Speak The Same Language)." What's more, Gloria and Emilio Estefan had the beautiful concept of inviting (in their words on the CD jacket) "All-Star Latin Musicians" to participate. This includes the legendary bass player Israel Lopez "Cachao," flautist Nestor Torres, and Jon Secada (who co-wrote "No Hay Mal Que Por Bien No Venga" with Gloria and Emilio, and Cachao).

This is, for me, some of the best music I have ever heard from Gloria Estefan's repertoire. This album is truly in a class by itself and I really think it's essential for any Latin Music collection. October 17, 2007

Beautiful Music

This music reaches into your whole body and soul. The lyrics and rythms are easy to listen and dance to. Wonderfuly written and played. September 5, 2007

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