Gloria Estefan Album: “90 Millas [Digipak]”

Description :

Personnel include: Gloria Estefan (background vocals); Pedro Alfonso (violin); Ed Calle (alto saxophone); Herman 'Teddy' Mulet (trumpet); Braily Ramos (trombone); Javier Concepcion, Paquito Hechavarria (piano); Giovanni Hidalgo (congas); Edwin Bonilla (bongos); Cheito Quinonez, Gaitan Bros. (background vocals). <p>Additional personnel: India (vocals); Jose Feliciano, Juanito Marquez, Marco LInares, Carlos Santana (guitar); Johnny Pacheco (flute); Paquito D'Rivera (saxophone); Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros, Arturo Sandoval (trumpet); Generoso Jimenez (trombone); Papo Lucca (piano); Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Sal Cuevas (bass guitar); Orestes Vilato, Candido Camero (congas); Luis Enrique, Daniel Berroa (bongos); Sheila E. (timbales); Andy Garcia (bell); Nelson Gonzalez, Jesus Cruz (unknown instrument). <p>For many, Gloria Estefan will forever be associated with the shiny, commercial strain of Latin pop she helped pioneer with her band Miami Sound Machine in the 1980s. This is a shame though, because in the years since Estefan has pushed beyond her early style to encompass straight dance music, adult contemporary balladry, and more traditional Spanish-language Latin fare. <p>90 MILLAS (2007) is a compilation gathering Estefan's roots-based efforts, with a special focus on the music of Cuba, Estefan's native country. On these 14 original Spanish-language tracks, the singer explores traditional Cuban forms and rhythms, while adding her own distinct crossover flair. While the material and performances are uniformly strong, it's the staggering guest list that makes 90 MILLAS shine. First flight Latin jazz artists Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera, and Cachao, among others, spice the stew, and elsewhere Latin rock and pop stars familiar to American audiences put in appearances ("No Llores," for example, the album's first single, features contributions from Carlos Santana, Jose Feliciano, and Sheila E.). The result is an eminently listenable tribute to Estefan's heritage and the rich musical tradition of Cuba.

....albums by gorgeous blondes. That isn't true, but here it would only be half-true; Gloria isn't blonde. This is an absolutely great album by a singer who proved her worth long ago; I don't know that she's ever sung a bad note.....

This album of what, to me, were unknown songs will appeal to two fan bases; [1] fans of Gloria [2] fans of Cuban music, of which we have plenty, as Cuba is only "90 Millas" away. It was a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. If you can understand Spanish, you'll like it even better.

Gloria Estefan is a fabulous singer who, here, benefits from great back-up, and engineering. If you have any interest in Gloria, or this genre of music, don't miss it.

While my spanish is limited - my adoration of Gloria is not, she makes you want to get up off your a** and dance with these great tunes! From start to finish she has put together an cd of great songs, great guest musicians, and while it's totally in Spanish - I don't care - it's great music and that is what counts....KUDOS to you Gloria and Company! Me gusta mucho y gracias!