Debut album from Cuban bandleader and musician Juan de Marcos González and American guitarist Ry Cooder's Buena Vista Social Club. Their eponymous album was released in tandem with the acclaimed documentary of the same name in 1997. Cooder traveled to Cuba to record sessions with local musicians, many of which had never been heard of outside of Cuba. The music was inspired by a members only club of the same name that operated in the 40s and 50s in Cuba. Many of the musicians on the album performed at the club during its height of popularity. Recorded at Havana's EGREM Studios, the album is one that seems to transcend generations. Includes the songs: "Chan Chan," "El Cuarto de Tula," and "Candela."

• landmark 1997 album from ensemble of Cuban musicians w/ American guitarist Ry Cooder
  
• 25th anniversary deluxe edition w/ bonus tracks from the original session tapes
• 180g black double vinyl pressing + 2xCD
• remastered audio
• 2LP contains the full original album plus (5) bonus tracks
• 2CD contains the full original album plus (19) bonus tracks
• housed in deluxe bookbound gatefold sleeve w/ 40 pages of photos, liner notes, history + lyrics
  
• original release year: 1997
• music label: World Circuit 2021

reviewed by Mariscos Sinaloa 11/2015