You've seen the movie, bought the albums-now at last it's time to meet Havana's veteran maestros face to face.
By Ken Kawashima. Asahi Evening News. August 31, 2000. Asahi News.
August 31, 2000 - The sweet aroma of Cuban cigars and rum filled the air as press agents, reporters and TV camera crews jockeyed for position around the stage of Odaiba's newest nightclub, Tribute To The Love Generation. Set to take the Tokyo stage for their first press conference in Japan were
the world-famous performers of the Grammy Award-winning Cuban musical sensation, Buena Vista Social Club.
Despite having landed less than two days before, to be met at Narita by crowds of adoring fans, the troupe's star members-vocalists Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo, and pianist Ruben Gonzalez-made their entrance showing little sign of jet lag. Instead, they-and the Club's entire 18-strong
crew-emanated a strong sense of pride and elation as they graciously answered questions and posed for the cameras.
Phenomenal success
Ever since the American guitarist Ry Cooder assembled and recorded these musicians who had been famous in Cuba in the '40s and '50s through playing a Havana nightclub of the same name, the success of "Buena Vista Social Club'' has known no bounds. The resulting 1997 album has sold more than
4.5 million copies worldwide, while the movie directed by Wim Wenders ("Paris Texas,'' "Wings Of Desire'') has made these veterans' faces familiar to millions.
Even in Japan, where their 10-leg tour of Toyama, Fukuoka, Shizuoka, Osaka, Kochi and Tokyo reportedly sold out within hours, and record sales have topped an impressive 250,000, both the Club's agents at Warner Music Japan and the media alike regard their success as nothing short of phenomenal.
"Both Ibrahim and I have been singing for a long time as soloists, but we have been singing for various groups as well,'' said Portuondo, the Club's proud and elegant 69-year-old sole female member. "Years ago, when I was working for an all-female quartet called Cuarteto Las D'Aida, we
met while singing backup for another soloist. Then there was a long blank until we met again, but as you know from the movie, Ibrahim invited me to sing with him while cutting the record-for which I'm very grateful.''
Backstage, both Portuondo (who toured Japan in the late '60s and early '70s) and Ferrer, the 73-year-old "Nat King Cole of Havana,'' relaxed in the VIP suite overlooking Tokyo Bay-appearing no different in private than minutes earlier, when Portuondo had jokingly declared to the amusement
of the Press: "Since nobody's bothered to ask, I'll tell you myself-I'm currently single!''
So it is that in real life as on screen, the Club's prince is very much the laid-back, cool virtuoso who emanates good feeling all around, while the princess radiates charm, intelligence and a strong sense of will. Both artists, who have since released acclaimed solo recordings (remarkably, a
solo debut for Ferrer at age 72), seem to effortlessly shine in their own ways-as in their songs-with a mixture of intense artistic pride and a passionate love of life.
"The film was very natural in its portrayal of us. Because it was a documentary, there was no rehearsal or script for us to follow, and I think it captured the mood of Cuba in a simple yet effective way,'' said Portuondo, whose 50-odd years in showbiz has also included acting in several
Cuban movies.
"Back home, the movie was featured in a Latin cinema festival and is doing very well at the box offices as well. But more importantly, our records have been influencing the younger generation of Cubans. You see, the music we do is essentially from the '40s and '50s, and they don't know
it-like, do kids in Japan know the song `Sakura?'-"so as our music is not taught in schools, I think it's very important that they are tuning into their culture.''
On the other hand, Ferrer-who has also been in several Cuban screen musicals-was keen to clarify the film's impression of him working as a shoe-shiner when Ry Cooder "rediscovered'' the forgotten falsetto. "There was a two-year blank when I was away from music,'' he said, "but not
once did I throw my music away.
"It wasn't as if I was out of a job. I was always singing for an orchestra. What happened was that I had been singing for many years with the group Los Bocucos, and I wanted to sing bolero, but the leader told me my voice wasn't suited for it. Anyways, there was other stuff I wanted to do
like work around the house and relax. I also like a drink, so I'd go down to the bar to enjoy a drink and smoke.''
Paradoxically enough, that same leader who repeatedly refused Ferrer's requests to have his name credited on their record sleeves, is now about to release a 1953 recording of the group, to be titled "Tierra Caliente.'' Even more paradoxically, the album will solely use the name "Ibrahim
Ferrer'' as its selling point.
"Anyhow, shoe-shining was just a hobby that I thought I was pretty good at,'' Ferrer continued. "Mostly I did it at home, but since I was so good my friends would ask me to come over and shine their shoes-and I did, and sometimes they paid me, but it's not like I was starving or
anything.''
As for the changes that stardom has brought, he said simply, "With the Buena Vista Social Club I have been fortunate to be able to see and visit many countries. But ultimately I haven't changed that much. I'm still a good husband and not that different at all as a human being.''
Public figuresPortuondo agreed. "We're first and foremost artists, but just like any other profession we want to succeed in what we do,'' she said. "So we've been fortunate to see our desires come to fruition, and naturally we're very pleased. Although we have become these public
figures, we still lead very simple lives. It's like we've been friends for such a long time, and we always believed in the talent that each of us had-so just because we're famous now doesn't change a thing. We all want to continue to do and play our best.''
In closing, Ferrer said, "I'm glad to have been able to see Japan. It's been a short stay so far, but I think you've accomplished a lot in a short period of time. You see, back home we don't have all these modern buildings and sights I see here, so I'm truly enjoying taking it in. In
exchange, if we could give you a little taste of Cuba through our music I would be happy.''
Ibrahim Ferrer, Omara Portuondo and Ruben Gonzalez's eponymous solo albums for the "Buena Vista Social Club Presents'' series are available on Warner Classics Japan.
Copyright 2000 Asahi Shimbun. | 