Review for PBS: Orquestra Buena Vista Social Club

They didn't surprise anyone: Succeeding the original generation, the thirteen star musicians landed from La Havana to fill up the Arts Centre with little publicity. Refined marketing techniques weren't necessary. The group had sold the biggest-selling Cuban album in history, Buena Vista Social Club. The success of both the album and film rejuvenated the international interest in traditional Latin American tunes.

The revolutionary band warmed up the audience with hot hits such as "El Rincón Caliente" (The Burning Corner) and "Candela" (Fire). By song three the audience shifted to the front of the auditorium demonstrating skills picked up in -sometimes secret- Salsa classes. Trombone, combos, saxophone, double base, trumpets, drums, piano, flute… Who could resist?

The orchestra's presence was stunning: Thirteen stylish musicians dressed in elegant suits, a male front singer in a silk white suit and a voluptuous female vocalist who shook to every danzon, son montuno, cha cha cha and bolero that sounded. The stage shrank at the band’s feet, giving the impression that those people were destined to play music their whole lives. And that is exactly what last survivor of the original Buena Vista Social Club, Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal, has been doing. The acclaimed trumpeter responded with a shy smile when introduced as the "King of Kings", and throughout the performance he didn't miss a note or missing a dance step.

After two hours of exuberant music, the legendary band played about ten long songs which feature numerous remarkable solos. The packed dance floor cried "otra!" (more!), persuading the musicians to return for an encore with the celebrated "El Cuarto de Tula", another hip-swinging hit which ended the night. After this sizzling and sensual concert, the veteran Orquesta will surely revive the Cuba-mania throughout the cold winter and beyond on this side of the world.

Sara Bosch-Brinques

http://pbsfm.org.au/Documents.asp?ID=7310&Title=Orquestra+Buena+Vista+Social+Club+-+Hamer+Hall