Che! (1969) was about Fidel Castro being helped in his subversion of
Batista’s Cuban regime by an Argentinian doctor named Che Guevara. The
film Che! starred Omar Sharif with Jack Palance (as Castro). Rerviews were
uncomplimentary. ‘It goes at the pace of a drugged ox, and ahsn’t
an ounce of political or historical sense in its nut’ was a typical
appraisal (that quote came from New Yorker). Ah well! – the film
did have some wonderful music from another Argentinian, Lalo Schifrin.
This is a fabulous collection of numbers that represent the exotic rhythms
and vibrant colours of the music of Cuba, Argentina and the Bolivian Andes.
Here is music that is fast and furious; slow and sultry; languid and romantic;
and proud and haughty. It is music to stir the blood -- and the feet!
I give below the track listing – there is no point in attempting an
analysis – just let the rhythms pull you from your chair.
Che!
Los Olvidados
La Columna
Tango
La Ruta
Emboscada
Malambo
Fiesta Numero Dos |
Recuerdos
Charangos
La Ultima Careta
Los Andes
Anita
Fiesta Numero Uno
La Barraca
Che! |
The album features the fireworks virtuosity of Juanjo Dominguez. His fantastic
playing has to be heard to be believed.
A great album to dance to
Reviewer
Ian Lace
Music from and inspired by
the film. "Che!"
