Tribute to the Cuarteto Patria
(Virgin)
Lovers of the rich and culturally groundbreaking Buena Vista Social Club will immediately recognize the name of Eliades Ochoa, world-renowned Cuban traditionalist. His latest album, as the title suggests, pays homage to the illustrious Cuarteto Patria, a band that has existed longer than Ochoa has been alive, and which he currently leads.
The twelve songs that comprise Patria unfold like a beautiful landscape; the sun is high, the sand is golden, and the waves are gently lapping against the shore. Soft horns punctuate the polyrhythmic bongo banging, and the smooth upright bass adds just enough heft to the generally lighthearted tunes. Not surprisingly, the real star of Patria is Ochoa himself, whose beautifully textural guitar playing commands the lion’s share of attention with every listen.
Standout tracks like “Son a la Casa de la Trova,” “Calderito de Tostar Café,” and “Si Sabes Bailar Mi Son,” all feature highly infectious, sing-along choruses combined with staggering guitar virtuosity. “Me Voy Pá Sibanicú,” contains some hilarious lyrics about a journey to Sibanicú, in which the narrator is repeatedly bit by a dog and eventually clubbed down by an elderly couple.
Everything about Patria adds up to an extremely rewarding experience. To borrow the title from the final cut of the album, “¡Qué Sabroseao!”
By Casey Lombardo
Long Beach Union
Originally printed 11.6.00
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