Tuesday, October 4, 2011

piano [who]man

If have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument, without a doubt I would choose the piano. I think it's an amazing instrument that can create some unbelievably beautiful music.

If only I could choose my teacher, I would have chosen the very talented Cuban artist/pianist, Ruben Gonzalez, he was amazing!

On today's song challenge I am posting- A song that I wish could play.

Well, in this case, pretty much any piano song is in my list,  specially if it's played by Ruben... He has some unbelievable songs.

Ever heard of the "Buena Vista Social Club"?

The Buena Vista Social Club was a members club in Havana, Cuba that held dances and musical activities, becoming a popular location for musicians to meet and play during the 1940s.


In the 1990s, nearly 50 years after the club was closed, American guitarist Ry Cooder along with traditional Cuban musicians, some of whom were veterans who had performed at the club during the height of its popularity, decided to record an album named Buena Vista Social Club after the Havana institution. The album became an international success.


German director Wim Wenders then captured the performance on film, followed by a second concert in Carnegie Hall, New York City for a documentary that included interviews with the musicians conducted in Havana. Wenders' film, also called Buena Vista Social Club, was released to critical acclaim, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary feature and winning numerous accolades including Best Documentary at the European Film Awards. (A MUST SEE!!!)


The success of both the album and film sparked a revival of international interest in traditional Cuban music and Latin American music in general. Some of the Cuban performers later released well-received solo albums and recorded collaborations with international stars from different musical genres.


The "Buena Vista Social Club" name became an umbrella term to describe these performances and releases, and has been likened to a brand label that encapsulates Cuba's "musical golden age" between the 1930s and 1950s. The new success was fleeting for the most recognizable artists in the ensemble: Compay Segundo, Rubén González, and Ibrahim Ferrer, who died at the ages of ninety-five, eighty-four, and seventy-eight respectively; Segundo and González in 2003, then Ferrer in 2005.


Several surviving members of the Buena Vista Social Club, currently tour worldwide, to popular acclaim, with new members such as the singer Carlos Calunga, virtuoso pianist Rolando Luna[1][2] and occasionally the solo singer Omara Portuondo, as part of a 13 member band called Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club. [source: wikipedia.com]
 
And this is how I discovered Ruben's music, and since then I've been captivated by most of these talented musicians, but specially Mr. Gonzalez fabulous piano pieces...

Today I am going to share with you the song "Tres Lindas Cubanas", which means "Three beautiful Cuban Girls"...

Liked it? Well, if you have some time and you feel like listening to more of his beautiful music, please make sure to visit the Ruben Gonzalez YouTube channel and enjoy!

So, yes I wish I could play the piano like him... Oh well, at least I can play it on my cd player at home, LOL!

Happy Tuesday!!!

4 commented; now it's your turn!:

MarkD60 said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

When I was a kid I was forced to play the piano for 6 years. Finally my piano teacher died and I got out of it.

Heather said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I've always wanted to be able to play the piano, too! I never took lessons as a kid like so many people did.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What a delightful melody!! Yes, I agree, he is VERY good - nice easy music to listen too!!thanks for sharing him! ...debbie

jean said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I have one of the BVSC cd. It's nice music, easy to listen to. And, I always wished to have played the piano.

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