Opinion on Buena Vista social club CD?

There are four CD's that I am aware of (we have the first three). Plus there was a sampler CD put out by Barnes & Noble "Women of Song" that contains two singles from the latest solo CD. So, I guess that makes five CD's kind of. All are great, but the recording of the first release -w- Ry Cooder playing is the most unusual recording. It sounds like it was recorded in a small club, while in reality it was recorded in a rather large single room in an ancient recording studio without the use of isolation booths (like the studio version of "Layla"). See the documentary if you get the chance.

In addition to the above alumni of BVSC, Eliades Ochoa, guitarist, and Compay Segundo, vocals and congas, also have albums out. Almost everyone wants in on the act, and why not? I believe pianist Ruben Gonzalez now has a second CD out. Haven't heard it, but his first solo CD "Introducing..." is beautiful.

The Buena Vista guys & gals were originally presented as the AFRO CUBANO ALL STARS. The first CD came out in 1997 ... entitled "A Toda Cuba Le Gusta" (1997) and the second CD came out last year entitled "Distinto Diferente" (2000) ... both on the Nonesuch label. A Toda Cuba Le Gusta is still my favorite of the 10 or so Buena Vista like CD's out there. Try to see them live.

Just saw them live in Boston. Very entertaining, especially for a group of septu and octogenarians! or is it novagenerian? Anyway, there's also a film (now on video) by the same title of BVSC, Spanish with subtitles. It is a great film because it shares the lives and history of the music and Cuban culture.

the bvsc video actually has a wery decent soundtrack - this would be good to see/hear on a nice h-t set-up. ewe can really hear the venue where the recordings take place - like where ruben gonzales is in that huge old mansion (palace?) playing the piano, while the students are taking ballet class... cool movie, fantastic music!