Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
March 30 (on tour)
10/10
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club set the hearts of Liverpudlians on fire at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall last night.
With their sassy, sexy, and vibrant Cuban, son, bolero and Afro-Caribbean music, the 12-piece band delivered the passion and virtuosity one expects from such a legendary line up. And part way through their set of powerful and pure entertainment from the back streets of Havana, on to the stage sashayed the world-famous Omara Portuondo to wild acclaim.
At 80 she really showed the younger members of the band what showmanship is all about. Dressed in a salmon top and long skirt, split at the sides, with silver sandals, she showed a leg and encouraged the audience to repeat ‘sexy’ to her, which they did in full admiration.
And when she sang, it was just like going back to her roots when she started singing with her sisters just aged 14. Her voice is still strong and sensuous though her dancing days are behind her. Omara has toured the world with different bands, been in a film about the BVSC, and had her own television series. She knew just how to work her audience and had the punters up on their feet dancing to the sensuous music of this tight, well disciplined, and brilliant band.
Also appearing were legends of Cuban music, Manuel Galban on electric guitar, Guarjiro Mirabal on trumpet, and musical director Aguaje Ramos on Trombone. Rolando Luna enthralled the audience with his virtuoso performance on the piano, his hands leaping across the keys, with breath-taking alacrity. And Carlos Calunga dressed in a white suit on vocals harmonised wonderfully with hip-swivelling Idania Valdes in a tight grey suit, showing her sensuous moves. Included in the set were the well-known Chan Chan, Quizas Quizas and Silencio, as well as a sprinkling of the Beatles’ Yesterday, a nod to the local audience who responded warmly to the tribute.
Ry Cooder resurrected the name of the band that had originally played to a members’ only club in Cuba and brought its musicians to worldwide prominence in 1996.
And in the audience last night were many fans, one couple flying a Cuban flag, another presenting Omara with a well-received bunch of flowers.
Today the band, with original and new members treats audiences to a taste of days gone by with their full- bodied pulsating sound that is so life-enhancing; aficionados of their music will wait with bated breath for the next time they appear in city.
In all a memorable night and a chance to see a slice of musical history.
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