Flor De Amor

Portuondo, Omara
Nonesuch Records
World | Jul 2004

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2004-08-03
OMARA PORTUONDO – “Flor De Amor”
Nonesuch, 2004

Oh, this is just yummy. The legendary Cuban singer is now 74 years old but still on top of her game. Her thin but charming voice is full of nostalgic romanticism, and the music is equally retro, bringing to mind the casinos of Cuba before the revolution without sounding like a throwback. If you like romantic lounge-y music a la Henri Salvador, you’ll love this.

Every track a winner! Fo’s picks: 1, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12

1. rich & romantic, midtempo, an old “exotica” classic from the 1940s
2, 6, 13. lovely and relaxed: guitars, string orch., and sexy backing vox
3. like the above, but midtempo with clarinets, upbeat ending with trumpet
4, 5, 9. more upbeat and rhythmic; orchestra feels more intimate too
7. upbeat bounce with tight duet vocal, very nice guitar solo
8. ooooooooh… just voice and tres: midtempo nostalgia, very “Buena Vista”
10. gorgeous upbeat ballad with accordion & strings, prominent bass
11. gentle, playful rhythm and a bit of electric piano for a different texture
12. steady midtempo w/ gently rolling rhythm, piano & clarinet combo
14. a melancholy midnight melody, nice clarinet & vibes

[ Fo ] – 8/3/2004

Recent airplay

Habanera Ven
At the Cafe BohemianJun 14, 2017
Tabu
At the Cafe BohemianAug 15, 2006
Tabu
At the Cafe BohemianMar 19, 2005
Alma De Roca
At the Cafe BohemianMar 08, 2005
Casa Calor

Charting

2004-08-09 — 2004-10-10 Reggae/World
Week EndingAirplays
Oct 10 1
Sep 26 2
Sep 19 3
Sep 12 2
Sep 5 3
Aug 29 2
Aug 22 2
Aug 15 2

Track listing

1. Tabu
2. Amor De Mis Amores
3. Alma De Roca
4. Mueve La Cintura Mulato
5. Junto a Un Canaveral
6. Hermosa Habana
7. El Madrugador
8. Amorosa Guajira
9. Habanera Ven
10. Si Llego a Besarte
11. Flor De Amor
12. Juramento
13. He Venido a Decirte
14. Casa Calor