Ibrahim Ferrer - Mi SueA±o

Beautiful Dream

Mi Sueño Ferrer's voice is seasoned to perfection. This is a man who has experienced life at its fullest and his interpretations demonstrate that. His phrasing is perfect in the romantic boleros and his voice is still strong, revealing his sonero roots. This is a CD that people will listen to again and again. This beautiful dream is real. Ferrer leaves us a marvelous gift. March 1, 2008

A Worthy Legacy

Though he had been active in music for many years, Ibrahim Ferrer came to my attention only through his involvement with Ry Cooder's wildly popular Buena Vista Social Club. And whatever you might think about that project, it was instrumental not just in resuscitating the careers of Ferrer and others who languished largely unemployed under Castro's heel, it also generated a worldwide rebirth of interest in Cuban music. Cuban music flourishes today and for that much of the credit has to go to Cooder.
Since I heard the BVSC, I have branched out and listened to some of the music recorded solo by those associated with that project. Mi Sueno is the first solo project of Ferrer's I have purchased, and after hearing it I assure you it won't be the last. Unfortunately for Ferrer and for us, it will be his last recording as he died shortly before it was finished. So though he realized his dream of recording an album of boleros (hence the title), he sadly is not around to enjoy the accolades it has garnered.
The songs here are not all strictly Cuban. I recognize a couple that were penned by the great Mexican composer Agustin Lara and another (Uno) that is of Argentine origin. What they have in common really is the way that Ferrer chose to interpret them. This album was a labor of love for Ferrer and its realization is a worthy legacy for a man who labored so long in the shadows.
Though I can't give the album five stars as some of the songs are "unfinished" vocally (You'll probably be able to guess which songs need another take) with the instruments added posthumously, it is a solid four star effort. Like one of the other reviewers, I really like Uno and Perfidia. In addition, my favorites include Si Te Contara, Melodia del Rio, and an interesting cover of Lara's Copla Guajira.
Those looking for a regurgitation of Buena Vista Social Club material aren't going to find it on Mi Sueno. What they will find is an intimate take on the music that was significant to the life of Ibrahim Ferrer. You also get an attractive booklet containing pictures, lyrics in both Spanish and English, and other pertinent information. If you love Latin music in the Cuban style, then Ferrer's dream can be yours as well. Highly recommended!

December 20, 2007

You need to be older to love those songs

Not comparable to the great cd Buena Vista Social Club. The songs are more classic cuban style. August 29, 2007

Simply, the best.

I ordered 2 copies of Mi Sueno and sent one to my 30 yr. old nephew who recently married. He and his wife called and said they loved it, too. So a 90 yr. old musician can communicate with 30 somethings through music. That restores my faith in human kind. August 11, 2007

Like fine wine

Ibrahim Ferrer shows yet again the finesse and maturity of a well seasoned vocalist who over the years has become better and better. With the Buena Vista sound backing him up he lets loose song after song with the incredible range and confidence only a master can produce. A wonderful posthumos album with his take on several classics. A spellbinding duet with Omar and impeccable rythm that grows on you the more you listen to it. Its wonderful to compare to his more youthful works and see that what he gave up in fiestiness he more than makes up for in sheer class and charisma. A must buy. July 23, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...