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A decade after the Buena Vista Social Club propelled Ibrahim Ferrer to international stardom, the Cuban singer’s farewell album reminds us of his incredible charisma, his supreme polish, and his disarming warmth. Mi Sueño celebrates Ferrer’s first musical love — the romantic, tenderly rhythmic bolero style, which has been famously described as “a ballad with a little black beans on the side” — and proves again that Ferrer, who died in 2005, was one of the world’s most enchanting bolero singers.

The music benefits from the sympathetic, eminently stylish support of a core band of Cuban masters: Roberto Fonseca on piano, guitarist Manuel Galbán, bassist Cachaíto López, and drummer Ramses Rodríguez. On the stately “Cada Noche Un Amor,” for example, Ferrer sings with poignancy and restrained passion, while Fonseca and Galbán each offer exquisite, delightfully understated solos. “Si Te Contara” and “Quiereme Mucho” boast lush and lovely string arrangements that fit the muted mood perfectly, while “Uno” and “Copla Guajira” add subtle clarinet shadings.

Perhaps most stunning is “Convergencia,” where Ferrer manages to be both plaintive and uplifting, with only Fonseca’s piano musings behind him. “Melodía del Río,” written by the late Rubén González, is a leftover from Ferrer’s solo debut and features the composer’s masterful touch on piano, and “Quizás, Quizás” is a heart-tugging duet with Omara Portuondo. – Press Release

“The songs evoke an intimate blues, most delivered at the pace of a late-night stroll. Yet, despite the dark shading and heart-rending tempos, Ferrer's voice is transcendent and emotional. Spontaneity is a hallmark of this album and all of the twelve boleros have their own sublime beauty and spiritual depth. This music is never contrived or forced. It exists for itself and its listener, and not for some fashion or fad.

Mi Sueño is a beautifully textured and varied album, where each song is a gem that emanates lyrical depth and sincere melodies rooted in emotion. It is not only Ferrer's masterpiece, but one of Cuban music's most important and passionate records, delivered by one of its finest voices.” – All About Jazz

About Ibrahim Ferrer:

Ibrahim Ferrer (February 20, 1927 – August 6, 2005) was a popular Afro-Cuban singer and musician in Cuba. He performed with many musical groups including the Conjunto Sorpresa, Orquesta Chepin-Choven and Afro-Cuban All Stars. Later in life, Ferrer became a member of the internationally successful Buena Vista Social Club. – Wiki

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