Cuban Listening description: El Caballo Viejo

November 18, 2009 jerryorbachfan

Good Morning everyone!

On a side note, I would like to share a song by John Lennon called “Now and Then”. It is really beautiful! Enjoy!
I have also included a Beatles classic “All You Need Is Love”.

For this posting, I have chosen to do El Caballo Viejo.

This is a great “Latin fusion song”. There are acoustic guitars, wooden rattle shakers, trumpet (carries main melody). There is a clear and concise clave pattern throughout the song. There are also vocals that begin in the middle song followed by strong trumpet solo.
Then, there are percussion patterns that follow the trumpet’s lead. The lyrical phrases repeat themselves. The song is abruptly ended by a short percussive pattern that seems to be played by the congos. The wooden “rattle” shakers maintain the same tempo/rhythm. I can definitely dance to this song. This “latin-jazz” genre could be easily played in a Mexican restaurante! This song is so relaxing!!!
I really dig this song! The lyrical phrasing is short and the instrumentation is the main structure of the song. The tempo is rather moderate and constant. It’s very repetitive and it has that special “latin” feel! The Latin/Cuban influence is certainly present. It’s multilayered and each instrument is performing it’s own sound. This song really reminds me of last Friday nights performance. It has a special “live” sound quality. Everything is clear…the vocals…the trumpet solo…..the percussive “heartbeats”. This song reminds me of music from “The Mask Of Zorro”.
I can imagine people dancing to this music in a majestic ballroom….a beautiful senorita in a red dress dancing with her true love…
This song brings many images to my head….California deserts…cactus…..fiestas…

It’s brilliant!

I would like to share a song by the Eagles called “Hotel California”. This song is sung by the great rock legend Don Henley. As you are listening to the song, take note of the imagery in the lyrics…

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