David de Alba as Boy-Chic
Review by Linda La Blanche, La Blanche International Music, Inc.
“This latest CD release places David de Alba as the one and only definitive Cuban Legend” - Linda La Blanche
David de Alba as Boy-Chic, the 6th CD release from this artist, is without a doubt his greatest masterpiece. All of the delicate ingredients that contributed to make his previous recordings a success, come together to form an appealing and riveting musical experience.
While the “Live at Finocchio Club” Albums 1 & 2 represent an important part of FI history, and the others showcase Mr. de Alba’s gifted voice and talent, the truth is that every album produced by Alba/Ryner Ltd., stands on its own merit and unique value. Each of these CDs has something for the true collector of FI memorabilia, the music lover, the romanticists, Latin lovers, and of course, the Judy Garland fans! However, like fine wine, David de Alba gets better with age. Experience allows the professional to improve and select his material to obtain superb results, and this is precisely what David has done.
David de Alba as Boy-Chic, the album, is a conglomeration of old favorites sang in English and Spanish for the enjoyment and pleasure of his loyal International fans. It contains the obligatory Judy Garland songs, well-known Spanish evergreens of different local styles and rhythms, and a few special arrangements provided by yours truly.
David shows us his many faces and styles in each selection. The diversity of this carefully selected repertoire surprises the listener from track to track, making it a delightful and memorable treat. Music can convey a myriad of emotions, and he manages to do just that with his creativity, passion and feeling.
It’s easy for anyone who’s been on this Earth for a while and maybe you, too, to close your eyes and feel transported to the Latin America of the 40’s and 50’s, where David, as “Boy-Chic”, every inch a Latin Diva of that era, caresses your senses with his rendition of “Ahora Seremos Felices”, “Campanitas de Cristal”, “Cuanto lo Siento”, “Contigo a la Distancia”, and most noteworthy, “Noche de Ronda”. These Latin ballads (called Boleros), poignantly sensitive and romantic, would appeal to the most discriminating music lover, even if he didn’t know Spanish.
A quicker pace of rhythm is provided by “El Alacrán”, ”La Tómbola”, a very sassy and sensuous “Qué tú me Gustas”, and David’s epitome of femininity, “Linda Caleñita”.
From Spain, the immortal classic “La Virgen de la Macarena”, complete with an orchestra from Spain, and the lesser known to American audiences (but equally powerful) “Tres Sevillanas”, add a royal touch to this bouquet of Latin melodies.
A quartet of bossa-novas gives a more contemporary and new refreshing style by David de Alba: “The Boy from Ipanema”, “Meditation”, “How Insensitive”, and “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars”. A deep, sensuous silken voice will transport you to the Antonio Carlos Jobim era of bossa-novas. This is a not to be missed section!
Finally, Judy Garland makes her appearance, once more, with “I’d Like to Hate Myself in the Morning”, ”Hello Bluebird”, “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody” and the grand finale: “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”, a worthy rendition to close this incomparable work of art.
Worth mentioning also, is “Applause”, from the musical Broadway hit, the unique oriental background of the first selection, “Chinito - Chinita”, as well as the Peruvian waltz, “Alma, Corazón y Vida”, with a typical Peruvian musical track. In addition, “Sonríete Niña”, “El Ratoncito Miguel”, and the potpourri, “La Comparsa, etc.“ round out this diverse and unique recording.
The emotional highlight in this CD, however, is the Irish tune “Danny Boy” (a cappella), which David de Alba dedicated in memory of his dear friend, Billy Tweedie, who just recently passed away. A few days before his death, David called Billy and sang this tune to cheer him up.
With this latest CD, David de Alba has definitely reaffirmed his title not only as “The Cuban Legend” but has placed himself in the Hall of Fame of Legendary FIs. To my knowledge, there is no one alive who possesses such a vast and diverse repertoire of songs, in two languages, and can sing as well (or better) than any Diva in today’s music world.
In reviewing David’s previous album, “Upon Request”, I expressed that his work would stand the test of time because it goes beyond pop or classical music – it’s unique. But this time, David has excelled beyond all praise with his creativity, own style, and excellent selection choices. Under such evidence, I can only wholeheartedly endorse and recommend this musical work of art, collector’s item, and most appealing production. David, keep up the great work and God bless!
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Contact Alba/Ryner Ltd. to order CDs at David will personally autograph your CD upon request. Linda La Blanche, |
What people are saying about David's new CD:
David de Alba, known throughout the industry and to his legion of fans throughout the world as 'The Cuban Legend' has done it again in his album 'David de Alba as Boy-Chic.' This is David at his best. His rendition of 'Danny Boy' and 'Noche de Ronda' are brilliant, as are the other songs which which he performs, as the consummate professional he is. A true genius in the genre." - - - John Anthony Miller, artist and owner of Phantom Bookshop in Southern California ("Bookshop to the Stars" as radio personality Gary Owens once stated).
I am so delighted to be the proud owner of the latest Collection of music by David de Alba,"David de Alba as Boy-Chic, Sings in Spanish and English" as well as his "Live At Finocchio Club" Vol.2 CD. The singing style in both CDs truly show the versatile singing styles of Mr. de Alba and his unique ability to make you feel that you are a part of what ever song he is singing. Many times while listening to these CDs I found myself taken back into the past of a legendary entertainer who with both style and grace has proven to be the best at his craft!
I particularly noticed that Mr. de Alba took time to recognize many other FIs who had gone on before us and have also contributed a bit of GLBT history. A truly humble legend in his own right and I will always cherish the joy that was given to me through these wonderful additions to my David de Alba collection. I am so thrilled to have finally met the Cuban Legend Mr. David de Alba recently in Las Vegas and to have had the pleasure of breaking bread as well as sharing stories with such a kind hearted fellow entertainer. If there is to be another CD I want to be one of the first to know.
As usual, David de Alba surprised one more time! In my opinion, his 6th CD release, "David de Alba as Boy Chic" places this artist in the pantheon of the best FI performers of our times. I have purchased all of David’s albums, and each one has something for everyone, but in this latest CD, not only is he in top form, but the variety and superb choice of beautiful songs sang in English and Spanish, make it a smash hit.
The diversity of music will suit all tastes: His dazzling, sensuous voice takes you from romantic Latin ballads that echo nostalgia of times long gone by to more contemporary Bossa-Nova Brazilian rhythms, and finally, to the London Palladium, where his specialty, the immortal Judy Garland, brings you a glorious finale.
The success of this record is mainly due to David’s gifted voice, artistry and feeling. Each song is outstanding because he connects with each song and gives it a deeper meaning. He can convey emotion, happiness, sadness at will, thus fulfilling what’s required of any particular selection. As "Boy Chic", he introduces a new languorous, sultry style in the Bossa-Nova section, an extremely delicate coquette in "Linda Calenita", a very Spanish "Castilian" songstress in "La Virgen de la Macarena" and "Tres Sevillanas", and a vivid reincarnation of Judy Garland in the last CD segment. The musical arrangements are unique, some of which are typically native to their origins.
David is my favorite singer because, he has an amazing voice that’s both flexible and powerful. And also, it can be soft, subtle, and yet strong and galvanizing as required. I get goose pimples listening to this fine artist. David, just keep surprising us with your invaluable talent. Best luck to you!
Estimado David: Muchas gracias por ponerme en contacto con su música y con su arte. He disfrutado mucho el disco que adquirí en su sitio. ¡Felicidades y mucho éxito!
A well orchestrated musical CD that sends you to the troposphere. A sizzle! A perfect tie in that completes . . . a talented Performer! I sat and enjoyed this CD with friends as they listened to it while enjoying a Perfecto. Bravo!!!
I do like the Spanish. For some reason, when I was a kid in Britain in the 70's there was a big thing about romantic Spanish / Latin type songs and a couple of your just took me back there. It was nice. You sound a lot sweeter on the CD than on the Web. Good live sound, and even though I didn't understand the words the feeling was there in abundance to convey the message of the songs. Love, passion, warmth; you sing with all those virtues to make a very enjoyable musical journey of the heart. As I might say that track three, "Alma, Corazón y Vida", was full of love, sung with true feeling of love.
I like very much your CD you know, but it's difficult to translate for me all that I want to say. Hope you understand. I think you're an inspiration for my concept of female impersonator. You represent the idea that I have of artist / female impersonator, that's why I have much love for you. When I listen to your CD I imagine the shows you made with these songs. That's because we do the same work and we know the story of every song we sing, every performance for every song we play.
In his sixth CD David de Alba again demonstrates his versality. There are new recordings of songs I already liked from his Finocchio CDs (La Tómbola, Applause, Hello Bluebird, La Virgen de la Macarena), happy love songs (Chinito - Chinita, Linda Caleñita, Qué Tú Me Gustas) and sad love songs (Campanitas de Cristal, How Insensitive, Noche de Ronda). Linda La Blanche's special arrangements (electronic piano) and David's songs are a good and harmonic combination (The Boy From Ipanema, Quiet Night of Quiet Stars).
Two of the Spanish songs caught my special attention and they seem to be children's songs: "Sonríete Niña" -about a little girl that never smiles - and "El Alacrán" - about a child being afraid of a scorpion and calling the grandmother for help. The latter song is a haunting tune reminding me a bit of the famous "La Cucaracha" song. At the end there is also "Danny Boy", sung a cappella. I think it is good that David dedicated this song to his friend and record producer, the late Billy Tweedie.
When I first purchased your three CDs I found so much enjoyment and relaxation listening to them. Now they go everywhere with me. I keep them in my car so I can sing along with you. Thank you so much for all the fun moments I have shared with you. Looking forward to your next release.
'Cuanto lo Siento' is done fabulously by you David along with the very good musical arrangement. I feel these type of songs that catches your throat in the raw you do them quite well. These strong tragic styled boleros, along with your vocal approach on them, and your strong body gestures add to the interpretation.
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