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Celina and Reutilio Caridad del Cobre
10/23/06
My second favorite female Cuban singer is Celina who, along with her husband Reutilio, defined a kind of afro-guajiro mix that was unique in Cuban music. Their music combined the guitar dominant guajiros with the sparse but very African conjunto style. The themes in their music ranged from the guajiro-romantic with its idealized depictions of Cuban peasnats to the praise of African saints found in Santeria ceremonies.
Caridad del Cobre is an apparition of the Virgin Mary and is venerated in Cuba much like the Virgen de Guadalupe is venerated in Mexico. This song features Celina in strong voice over an equally powerful rhythm. I love when Celina encourages her husband's guitar playing in the bridge. The lyrics deal with a young guajira who went to town with her love only to be dissappointed. She prays for protection from Caridad del Cobre as she returns to her country mountain seeking refuge.
1 comment
i just got a compilation about a week ago at a local santeria/religous store. it is by this duo and i have never heard anything like it. i love everything from hip hop to daniel johnston to tom waits to the cramps but this is so pretty and powerful. "virgen de carmen" and "san lazaro" give me the chills. did they put out singles or albums proper. more more more. 
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