Celia's "friends" at this 1999 tribute concert are Tito Puente, Johnny
Pacheco and La India. The direction and production are as smooth as they
get, and Cruz herself introduces each cut in her mellifluous Cuban
accent: Even when she's talking, it sounds like she's singing. Her
extraordinary voice is now lower and even more resonant than in her
youth.Particularly stirring is her cover of the bittersweet Cuban
mega-hit "La Vida Es un Carnival." Cruz's duet with La India, "La Voz de
Experiencia," manages to outdo the original studio version; the salsa
princess' obvious ecstasy at sharing the stage with La Reina adds some
real spice. Of course, there are the old standards, including a medley
of "Babalu," "Siboney" and "El Cumbachera," the raucous "Quimbara,"
"Usted Abuso" and an improvised version of "Guantanamera" featuring the
entire cast. Celia sings her trademark "Bemba Colora" better and better
over the years; here it's a veritable incantation, with her voice backed
sparely by piano, light percussion and a shadowy chorus. -- From Rhythm Magazine
Pacheco and La India. The direction and production are as smooth as they
get, and Cruz herself introduces each cut in her mellifluous Cuban
accent: Even when she's talking, it sounds like she's singing. Her
extraordinary voice is now lower and even more resonant than in her
youth.Particularly stirring is her cover of the bittersweet Cuban
mega-hit "La Vida Es un Carnival." Cruz's duet with La India, "La Voz de
Experiencia," manages to outdo the original studio version; the salsa
princess' obvious ecstasy at sharing the stage with La Reina adds some
real spice. Of course, there are the old standards, including a medley
of "Babalu," "Siboney" and "El Cumbachera," the raucous "Quimbara,"
"Usted Abuso" and an improvised version of "Guantanamera" featuring the
entire cast. Celia sings her trademark "Bemba Colora" better and better
over the years; here it's a veritable incantation, with her voice backed
sparely by piano, light percussion and a shadowy chorus. -- From Rhythm Magazine
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