David de Alba sings a loving tribute to Olga and Tony
Review by Billy Tweedie from    billytweedie.com

In this first CD of 2002 David has selected many of the International hits of his beloved idols and friends from Cuba, the singing husband and wife team of Olga Chorens and Tony Alvarez.   Included are musical selections of Edith Piaf, all performed in Spanish with the exception of David's own theme song which is done in English and Spanish as a bonus track.

I have never studied Spanish nor do I understand one word on this CD (except for the last track, most in English!).   However, I am mysteriously drawn to listen to it over and over.   David's voice, so alluring, sensual, and earthy all at once is one-of-a-kind.   I know of no one alive today who can sing as Piaf/Garland sang, but David's re-creation of his songs from 1970 thru 1986 are simply amazing!

I thought it would be hard to listen to, but as with anything else that is truly worthwhile, I decided to stay with the CD and give it, at least, the respect the artist deserves by listening a few more times.   Obviously, my patience has more than paid off....if only because I can now appreciate the immense talent that he possesses.   While sounding unlike any other vocalist that I had previously known David is able to contain more "raw emotion" in one song than most vocalists can emote in an entire CD!

The sounds of the track devoted to Edith Piaf, 'Potpourri Francés' can bring goosebumps. What heart touching music.

This is really a great album to put you in a good mood, as well as for appreciating top of the line musicianship.   The Gold Star award for the songs must go to "Te Adoraré", which is just that, and the impossibly infectious "Tengo una Debilidad", (try and play it just once!).

Open-minded fans are in for a treat.   The songs are based on different local styles, as the liner notes explain.   There's an amazing variety of rhythms - all irresistible.   The melodies are catchy and David delivers them with his customary warmth and assurance.   David goes back to his Cuban roots (he was born in Cuba, came to the States in the early 1960's) and when you hear him sing in Spanish, you know for sure that he is proud!

You don't need to understand the words in Spanish to enjoy this joyful music, but I am sure it's a real bonus if you do.   It is perfect for any day of the year when your body and soul need a little refreshment.

The cover photo by Concetta Jorgensen is divine.   David's management Ryner/Alba Entertainment should be buzzing with gigs shortly for this CD will sell the entertainer to the masses!

Despite the language barrier, the emotional content of this artist comes through without doubt.   It's a CD that can withstand many, many listenings, and still retain its ability to give pleasure.

I cannot wait until the Spring when I can hopefully review David's CD that will feature his backstage memoirs including anecdotes from his run at Finocchio's in San Francisco, CA along with some rare audio recordings singing on stage at Finocchio's.   Many thanks to his friend and Emcee Carroll Wallace who was able to capture those moments from the wings on David's small tape recorder.   The third CD David will re-create some of the hits of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli that he sang on stage, plus some medleys and show tunes from his own International Boy-Chic Act at Finocchio Club.   To date David de Alba is the only artist from the world famous Finocchio Club to record and release to the public any material from that club.   A must for any collector of female impersonation memorabilia!

Another Great man in our Art, Culture & Entertainment!
That is the Unique David de Alba!

Contact Alba/Ryner Ltd. to order CD(s) at   david-heri@earthlink.net    David will personally autograph your CD upon request.

Billy Tweedie, Billy's Entertainment World.




What people are saying about David's new CD

Verne Langdon, musician/song writer from California
David de Alba's "loving tribute to Olga Chorens & Tony Alvarez" is at least that, a most loving tribute, but so much more!   David's interpretations of these Classic compositions, infused with love and Respect for Olga & Tony, are nothing short of Inspired;  the melodies are familiar, but the soul invested in them by David de Alba is surprisingly new, and nothing short of sensational!   If you love Spanish music (and I do!), you MUST own this emotional journey back to Old World Halcyon Days gone forever, but remembered fondly and performed exquisitely by The Cuban Legend, David de Alba!
Patrick from California
"A Loving Tribute to Olga y Tony" is a refreshing return to music with heart, unlike any other recordings today.   David de Alba's vocal quality is equalled by his emotion in each track.   The melodies of these classic songs are pleasantly haunting, but through David's mastery of voice they soon become irresistibly replayed.   This is a treasure..."
John Anthony Miller, artist & owner of Phantom Bookshop, Ventura, CA
I just finished listening to every song, and there is not one bad one!   In fact, the CD is terrific, I really enjoyed it . . . you are very talented . . . but then, I did not expect otherwise.   Your voice has a haunting sensitivity that gets to the core of things.   Congratulations on the beautiful CD.   I know it was a tremendous amount of work.
Thomas Lynch, aka Entertainer Anita Mann from New Jersey
You know when your next CD comes out I want that one too..Just let me know!   Read the interview by Billy Tweedie about your CD and I agree that it's beautiful and that you necessarily don't have to understand Spanish to enjoy the music over and over...Both Paul and you have put together a Web site that is truly entertaining.   Best wishes for continued success!
Dr. James Shorten (Shauny) from Tucson, AZ
I really like it, It has that old Cuba feel to it!
Len Codi, StoneWall Society, New Orleans, LA
Now you can have your de Alba and hear it too!   I think it is wonderful that David has put together a CD of his amazing voice.   Now his performance won't be just a memory, but something to enjoy again and again.
Luca, aka entertainer Genny Random, Italy
Hi David, I've just received your CD.   I like it very much, it's so.....Cuban!   We're looking to insert in the radio pages one or two songs and a few words to present it.
Entertainer Criselda Crescini, Hamburg, Germany
David's CD is a wonderful collection of songs which justify his temperamental Cuban legacy.   A must-buy for people who appreciate songs from the heart and full of soul, renditions of tunes with David's unmistakable Latin heritage.
Entertainer Michael Reed, Eugene, Oregon
The CD is BRILLIANT what a TALENT you are.   I am so happy you did this.
Maria y Edita, Miami, Florida
Te damos las gracias por tan bello CD.   Nos ha encantado!   Está muy lindo.   Tu voz preciosa.
Kristi from Florida
It is fantastic David has done a music CD!   He can share his wonderful voice with everyone who could not see or hear him in person.   It is a rare treat to listen to his marvelous voice.
Saundra, Waitress, Harrah's, Laughlin, NV
Neat CD!   Loved it, especially those French songs!
Donny West, aka entertainer Lady Patra, Minnesota
Been listening to your CD in my car.   You sound great.   I'm taken back to so many fond memories like Finocchio's, San Francisco when I listen to you sing!
Ray Sánchez, Hollywood, CA
For someone like me who loves music and got to know Olga y Tony in person and enjoy all their music ,,. and after forty years I still listen to them.   I'm very happy to know David who's done a great job singing a tribute of some of their more popular songs.   I strongly recommend to buy and enjoy this CD...Tribute to the Legends Olga Chorens y Tony Alvarez. Eduard of "EduarDesign", Miami, Florida:

I was born a little bit after Olga y Tony delighted Cuba with their songs.   Thanks to the work of David de Alba in this tribute to them I have been able to know them and listen to these beautiful songs and these boleros so well interpreted by David de Alba such as: "Mi Triste Condena", "Te Adoraré", "Tengo Una Debilidad" and "Yo Soy Ésa" just to mention a few.   David is one of those artists that should never leave this Planet, because they have arrived to make our lives happier and to teach us we have to sing as it says in the theme song on this CD, track # 17th: "Cantemos siempre cantemos, cantemos pues al cantar, se olvidan las desventuras, las amarguras, hay que olvidar."   Thank you for your art David!


Return to CDs for Sale Page

Return to David's Home Page