Two of Cuba’s Greatest Musicians, Omara Portuondo and Chucho Valdés, Together Again

Omara Portuondo and Chucho Valdés - Omara & Chucho
A new recording titled Omara & Chucho (World Village France) brings together two of Cuba’s most important musical figures, singer Omara Portuondo and pianist Chucho Valdés. The two artists collaborated earlier in the Desafios album in 1997, where they recorded Cuban and Latin American classics.

For a long time now we wanted to work together again on a recording, but due to our packed agendas it hasn’t been at all easy to find the right moment”, Omara Portuondo explains.

Omara & Chucho was initiated at a studio encounter two years ago when Chucho Valdés played piano for Omara Portuondo on the song “Nuestro gran amor” which is included in Portuondo’s most recent solo album Gracias. According to Valdés, this encounter was “a decisive factor in re-launching our venture”.

The studio format of Omara & Chucho is an intimate voice and piano duo, including boleros and classics from the ‘filin’ era. “Omara sometimes sings and sometimes she speaks,” says Chucho Valdés. “On this album we sought to ensure that expression would prevail over all other characteristics”.

Tracklist:

1. Noche Cubana 1:10
2. Claro de Luna / Llanto de luna 4:47
3. Y decidete Mi Amor 3:29
4. Alma Mia 5:57
5. Me acostumbre a estar sin ti 3:11
6. Esta tarde vi llover 8:07
7. Si te contara 4:29
8. Huesito 3:12
9. Mis sentimientos 5:14
10. Nuestra cobardia 3:39
11. Babalú Ayé 5:18
12. Recordaré tu boca 4:30
13. Noche Cubana 2:13

The album is only available in Europe at this time.

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.

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