Las Flores de la Vida

by Compay Segundo

Overview

Compay Segundo entered his 11th decade of life with the release of Las Flores de la Vida, a celebration of life and also a message for youth, not only to enjoy what they have but to be patient for what life may give in years to come. Alongside several traditional compositions, Segundo and his rich, evocative band perform five of his own originals (composed under his birth name, Francisco Repilado Munoz). For fans of Buena Vista Social Club and its quickly growing discography of solo projects, Las Flores de la Vida has much of the exquisitely recorded, effortlessly swinging Cuban son they're looking for, though Segundo does mix things up a bit. For "Amor de Loca Juventud," the band dips into a finely tuned waltz, but also skewers the overly respectful Buena Vista atmosphere with some added vocals that transform the romantic trills of Spanish into a guttural evocation of lust. Among the traditional numbers, "Juramento" and "El Beso Discreto" from Miguel Matamoros, and "Guantanamera" are both treats to hear, Latin classics to which Segundo brings an added element of authority. His reliance on up to three clarinets also sets him apart from much modern music-making, and they're an interesting addition to his by-now familiar sound. ~ John Bush

Product Details

Release Date:	11/03/2023
Label:	Warner Music / Wea
UPC:	5054197639241
Rank:	52712

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Compay Segundo   Primary Artist,Vocals,Harmonica,Vocals (Background)
Luis Dulzaides   Bongos,Maracas
Trevor Morais   Drums (Snare)
Basilio   Claves,Guitar (Rhythm),Vocals (Background)
Salvador   Double Bass

Technical Credits

J Fernandez   Composer
Lorenzo Hierrezuelo   Composer
Rafael Montiel Ortiz   Composer
Rafael Hernandez   Composer
Miguel Matamoros   Composer
Guillermo Rodriguez Fiffe   Composer
Manuel Corona   Composer
Agustin Lara   Composer
Francisco Repilado   Composer
Juan Iganacio Cuadrado   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Compay Segundo   Arranger,Annotation
Zoe Alvarez   Inlay Photography
Oscar Herrador   Engineer
Juan Carlos Blancas   Studio Assistant
Jose Fernandez Diaz   Composer
Pedro de la Hoz   Liner Notes
Jose Marti   Composer
Francesca Clarke   Translation
Jose Puga   Design
Rafael P. Ortiz Rodriguez   Composer
Javier Salas   Cover Photo,Inlay Photography
Corona Manuel Raimundo   Composer