Buena Vista Social Club Presents: Omara Portuondo

1	La Sitiera 3:57
2	He Perdido Contigo 3:49
3	Donde Estabas 3:47
4	Mariposita de Primavera 2:54
5	Canta Lo Sentimental 3:26
6	Ella Y Yo 3:24
7	No Me Vayas a Engañar 2:53
8	No Me Llores Más 4:59
9	Veinte Años 4:43
10	El Hombre Que Yo Ame (The Man I Love) 3:11
11	Siempre en Mi Corazón 3:42

Barnes & Noble

The third official installment of the Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon focuses on the queen of the Club -- Omara Portuondo, a singer beloved in Cuba for decades, whose moving, tear-streaked performances in the "Buena Vista Social Club" film instantly endeared her to music lovers around the world. Whereas BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB presented a wide range of antique tunes, OMARA PORTUONDO specializes in intimate ballads, romantic boleros, and the unique filin or "feeling" style that combines '40s piano-led cocktail jazz with Cuban rhythms. Portuondo's sensitive readings -- and the characteristically warm BVSC production -- cast definitive versions of some of the Cuban repertoire's cornerstones. Maria Teresa Vera's "Veinte Años," the Trio Matamoros classic "Lagrimas Negras," and "Donde Estabas Tú?" associated with Beny Moré are just some of the monumental songs Omara Portuondo makes her own. If the original BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB boasted an earthy, rustic attack, and the sequel, IBRAHIM FERRER, traded the grit for a slow burn, OMARA PORTUONDO is pure liquid fascination, bobbing in a sea of emotion that Cubans call el bamboleo. Stately, smooth, and suffuse with a sun-dappled sensuality, Omara Portuondo's solo turn reminds us that like any boys' club, the Buena Vista only benefits from a woman's touch. Mark Schwartz

All Music Guide

A beautifully executed and produced album by Omara Portuando, the only woman to appear on the original Buena Vista Social Club recordings. Portuando, who is one of Cuba's most acclaimed musicians and a featured performer at the Tropicana, has shown here that, at 70, she still possesses the qualities that helped develop her stardom on her native island. This recording, which covers a variety of traditional musical styles, from son to guajira to bolero, makes it easy to see why critics have called her the Edith Piaf of Cuba and "The Fiancée of Feeling." The style, especially on the second track, "He Perdido Contigo," evokes a nostalgic, old-fashioned sentiment, and the songwriting is classic. Featured performers include Rubén González on piano, Eliades Ochoa and Compay Segundo on guitar, and a full string section including Angel and Arelis Zaldivar. The performances are lively and tight, creating an album that feels nearly perfect. A full set of liner notes, including English translations of all of the lyrics, makes the album even more accessible for American audiences. ~ Stacia Proefrock, All Music Guide

Rolling Stone

The kind of record that forces you to stop worrying and enjoy life to the fullest, Portuondo’s new album is an exquisite trip to the heart of Afro-Cuba. Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture "Groove". Ernesto Lechner