Pablo Milanés' tribute albums continue to hold special place in Nueva Trova history

December 22, 6:50 PMLatin Music ExaminerIan Malinow

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Cuban singer-songwriter Pablo Milanés and Argentinean legend Fito Páez.

There are many Nueva Trova tribute albums in the market, but few come close to Pablo Milanés’ “Querido Pablo” (1996) and his follow-up, “Pablo Querido” (Universal Music, 2001).

For the first time in his three-decade recording career, the Cuban singer-songwriter and guitar player teamed up with a myriad of friends, singers-poets and composers, including Joaquin Sabina, Fito Páez and Milton Nascimento - to present a superb collection of duets that have transcended generations and set the guidelines of today’s tribute recordings in the Latin American music scene.

On “Querido Pablo,” you’ll find new renditions of such Milanés classics as the beautiful love song “En el breve espacio en que no estas,” the inspiring homage to Puerto Rico “Son de Cuba a Puerto Rico,” and the anthemic
“Yo pisaré las calles nuevamente,” a popular protest music track that became an hymn for many Latin Americans in the ‘70s. Also included are the patriotic “Amo esta isla” and “Canción por la unidad Latinoamericana,” a call for the unity of all Latin Americans that was written at a time of tumultous dictatorships and rampant social injustices committed in many troubled Spanish-speaking nations in the 1970s. This four-disc, 40-track offering (which sell separately) also boasts performances by Ricardo Arjona, Soledad Bravo and Armando Manzanero.

The high-caliber repertoire of “Pablo Querido” should satisfy most fans, too. With “Yolanda (Milanés signature tune)," “Para vivir” and “El primer amor,” his top romantic songs – it provides the hits that every fan expects. For their part, Illapu and Manzanero take “Yolanda” and “Para vivir,” respectively, to new musical heights.

An interesting note here is that Sabina - a widely respected figure in Spain’s popular music circles and throughout Latin America – is the only guest artist of Vol. II who was allowed to record his signature tune “La Magdalena,” instead of vocalizing one of Milanes’ songs.

From the warm orchestral opening of “La felicidad” to the sultry Milanés-Fher duet on “Si ella me faltara alguna vez,” the set’s mood shifts from romantic to upbeat and then back to ‘bolero.” Puerto Rican singer Lucecita Benítez shines in “Llegaste a mi cuerpo abierto,” a lively salsa that offers listeners a timely interlude between ballads and danceable creations.
Among other collaborators are Caetano Veloso, Marco Antonio Muñiz, Ivan Lins, Alberto Cortéz and Charly García - all big-time names who make a perfect match for Milanés’ voice, as shown in “El amor de mi vida,” “Comienzo y final de una verde mañana” and “Juegos de muerte.”

Another highlight is the performance by Cuban singer-songwriter Juan Formell and Los Van Van, who opens the second CD with “Proposiciones,” a tasty salsa-son that sets the tone for the first half of the CD before lowering gears to a more romantic pace.
Together, “Querido Pablo” and “Pablo Querido” make a winning combination and offer a lot of great music. But if you asked me which one I prefer, I would have to say that “Pablo Querido” is my favorite. And that’s because I like its artists’ selection better, plus its variety of rhythms is also a treat.

Although its heyday was over three decades ago, Nueva Trova is still a popular genre in Puerto Rico. Its strong patriotic and social message – coupled with its melodic instrumentation and subtleness - continue to inspire legions of ‘boricuas’ who would rather own albums by Milanés rather than Daddy Yankeee and/or Don Omar. And while reggaetón and traditional Christmas music like bomba, plena and jíbaro music dominate radio airwaves, many locals rely on Nueva Trova – and truckloads of ‘lechón’ and rum - to light up their holiday season.

Although a controversial artist to many (Cuban exiles despise Rodríguez and Milanés for their staunch support of Fidel Castro and the revolution), Milanés is considered one of the founders of Cuban Nueva Trova, along with Silvio Rodríguez. And throughout his time in the spotlight, Milanés has gained respect from his peers and cult following for brilliant work, becoming one of the most widely known Cuban artists of the late 20th century.

Pablo Milanés (on guitar) and Silvio Rodríguez perform "Yolanda."