Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London
With the Buena Vista Stars, including Candido Fabre

Based on a true story and filmed in the exotic countryside outside Havana, this remarkable and engaging film will move both your spirit and your feet with its unforgettable passion and intoxicating music. The soundtrack and live performances in the film include some of the legendary Cuban artists who appeared in the box office smash, Buena Vista Social Club.

MAMBO MAN is packed with musical contributions from Cuban legends including; Candido Fabre, Maria Ochoa, Alma Latina, David Alvarez, Arturo Jorge, Omara Portuondo, Eliades Ochoa, Juan De Marcos Gonzalez and the Afro-Cuban All Stars.

Audiophile Audition Review:
Directed by Mo Fini and Edesio Alejandro, Mambo Man is a reflection of life in post-Communist Cuba. The central character, J.C. is a local “big shot” who is balancing the unlikely worlds of farming and music promotion. As events unfold, his life and the surrounding community become jeopardized by well-meaning naïveté, and a mysterious encounter. Tumi Music and Pure Pleasure Records has released a double vinyl 180-gram soundtrack of Mambo Man. It features live performances by various legendary Cuban artists. Traditional genres, including Guaracha, Trova and Son are capably represented on this album.
This rhythmic, organic compilation is ear-pleasing. Starting with the horn-infused dance-tempos of the instrumental “A Los Soneros”, a transcendental footprint is developed. In a slower groove, “Brisa Mananero” showcases the terrific vocals of Maria Eliades Ochoa with a sprightly arrangement.With salsa resonance, the Afro-Cuban All-stars sparkle on “Cada Vez Que Te Veo”. This vibe continues on”Carretero”. A heartfelt performance of “Como Las Mariposas” has subtle tempo, but emotional substance. Acoustic-based arrangements resonate equally. “De Cauto Cristo a Rio Cauto” (Arturo Jorge) has mild percussion, spirited chorus and even some whistling. The musicians strong national identity is always represented, especially in “De Cuba Vengo y Cubano Soy”. A string addition to the guitars is a nice touch. The relentless joy of the music shines on “Descarga Cubana”, with some nice fiddle, flute and horn work. The sequencing of the music is effective and the mood is rarely interrupted.
For those with an affinity for the titular musical genre, “Maidel Mambo” is tightly cohesive with piano/percussion anchoring this jam, and alternating piercing/sultry horn choruses.The title track is evocative of the film’s narrative and has pronounced string accents, an ethereal piano and march-time drum. In a change of pace, “Nada De Ti” has a dreamy slow-dance vibe and a shared vocal. The folk charm of Cuban music permeates the subtly buoyant instrumental “No Critiques El Nene”. Arturo Jorge returns for a pair of songs, “Pa Apart lo Malo” and “Quiero Cantar Son del Llano”. In a gentle swaying jazzy number, “Romance” resonates with gossamer sentiment. The mood shifts back to party atmosphere on “Son Para Envidosos”. In what sounds like a classical music homage (“There Is Still Hope”), the plaintive solo piano establishes a melody that is filled in by orchestra. It becomes sweeping and cinematic. The finale “Yo Quiero Gozar” is as advertised for the listener.
Mambo Man – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is an historical cultural document. All of the flavours of Cuban music are expressed with celebration and reverence. While viewing the film provides narrative context, the songs are viscerally enjoyable by themselves.

By Robbie Gearson