Listen to another beautiful version (quite modern) of this timeless song, Tú, Mi Delirio, by a wonderful Mexico City songstress, Magos Herrera.
My wonderful teacher and extraordinary vocalist, María Márquez, said to us, in our class last night, that many in the jazz world say that in order for it to be considered "real jazz", it must be sung in English only. What do you think?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Elegant Elena
Elena Burke (1928-2002), Madame of Fílin (Feeling), sings one of my favorite songs in this ancient video. Fifty years ago in Havana, Cuba, in 1941, she began her artistic career by participating in a radio program for amateurs. She later formed part of the famous female cuartet, Cuarteto D'Aida, along with Omara Portuondo, Moraima Secada, and Omara's sister, Haydeé.
César Portillo de la Luz, one of the originators of the Fílin Movement which started in the '40s, wrote the song in this video, "Tú, Mi Delirio". He was a prolific, talented, and internationally acclaimed song writer. His melodies have endured the decades and changes within popular music--and are still very much alive today. Aida Diestro, director of Cuarteto D'Aida, was also one of the founding members of this collaborative group which changed the course of Cuban song. Fílin songs, usually boleros, were sung differently than in the past--more spoken than sung, almost private in delivery--giving the singer great freedom to interpret. You really notice those things in Elena's rendition of this song of passion and longing.
Elena became a legend in Cuba, helping to shape "El Fílin" and the Cuban Nueva Trova Song movement.
In Cuba, one only has to say the word: Elena. Cubans know exactly who and what you're talking about. They didn't call her Your Majesty for nothing.
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