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This
CD serves several purposes simultaneously, it tames and soothes the savage
beast while showing us humanity in all it's forms, both ugly and beautiful.
Yolanda Blanco's first effort is a solid release that proudly displays her
Nicaraguan heritage via the words of it's countries most renowned poets.
Conceptually it is an interesting concept, putting poetry to music. Yolanda
Blanco, herself a published poet, shares the collective spirit of her people
in a most tranquil and soothing voice. The simplicity of the lyrics is
anything but as the message is often profound. Sometimes the poems are so
short that the chorus is repeated several times to accentuate the point of
the poem. The themes, although often nationalistic, go beyond boundaries
with their universal appeal. Yolanda's voice is soothing, with her
tenderness, hush tones that are almost soft whispers, breathless vocals that
are both sensuous and intriguing. The poetry is a perfect vehicle for a
glimpse into her artistic soul. Get
to know Yolanda Blanco, she has much to share with you. The CD has a
"cleansing" quality to it considering the turmoil that the country
been through. There is one poem by Yolanda, "Veni, luvia, venite"
that has a nature theme to it that is more upbeat, sharing more of her
presence with the accompanying musicians. The songs I like best are those
where this technique is employed, the interplay and musicianship adds color
to the palette. The jazzy sax and ethnic flute employed on some tracks are a
nice addition to the minimalist guitar work featured on most songs. My
favorites are the lost love songs "Cuando los dorados corteses
florecieron" and "Al perderte yo a ti" the celebration of
life tune "Pequeño canto para bien parir," the exquisitely somber
reflection on love "La bala," and the beautiful homage to
Nicaragua "Niña cortada de un árbol." This
is reflective music, poetry put to music that requires careful listening to
hear and see the experiences of the Nicaraguan people. Yolanda Blanco has
assembled a cast of poets works that deserve world wide listening, her
country has endured many hardships and the inherent beauty survives. The CD
has a folkloric quality that blends and weaves the colors of her country,
proudly painting a picture for all to enjoy. The accompanying booklet is a
gem, a bilingual text with short biographies on each featured poet which
stimulates one to further research on those that appeal most to one's
tastes. Recommended for sensitive souls whose visions transcend borders. Rico from Amazon.com
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