My Silvio vinyl records

When we are away from our country for a while, we feed our soul with those little details that make us unite our roots.
In the 80s, the music of the Cuban troubadour Silvio Rodríguez, made itself felt in my grandfather's apartment, in the beautiful city of Varsovia.

Today, from Havana, I will share with you my vinyl collection of this great musician, who has gained international recognition for the poetic message of his lyrics and the acoustic sound of his guitar strings.

In other publications, you have seen some of my compact discs where I have included Silvio CDs. On this occasion, I do it showing other of the oldest sound formats that exist, totally analog, and that are being of the growing pleasure of many people, even young people.

Silvio Rodríguez Domínguez is one of the founders of what is known in Cuba as the “Nueva Trova”. A movement that emerged in the 60s; whose musicians with their guitars, compose their poetic songs, with an intimate air, reflecting the social experiences of their country.

The music of Silvio has been characterized by a unique style, where only with his voice and his guitar, he achieves that musicality and interpretation that reaches the emotions of the Cuban, with international extension.

Sometimes we see him holding his hand and covering one ear while he sings. It is his way to concentrate, to feel better his voice and the sound that comes from his strings.

Now I will present the vinyls I have of him, giving a small review of them:

Días y flores (1975)

This was his first album, not as elaborate as others, but it was the catapult that served to launch his music to Latin America.

From the production company EGREM, it includes songs like “Sueño de serpientes”, a magical song, the well-known “Esperando abril” and “Playa Girón”. Songs where you can discover his differentiated style at the time of composing. With music that moves between the genres of rock, trova and latin jazz.

Mujeres (1978)

This album of the national label Areito, has love as its epicenter. With his voice and the mastery of his guitar he gave us 12 great songs. My favorites are: “¿Qué hago ahora?” and “En estos días”.

It is worth mentioning that the composer and illustrious pianist Frank Fernández, was part of the production of this musical gem.

Unicornio (1982)

Another work from the EGREM label, and from his own studio by the name of Ojalá.

The title track: Unicornio, is a baroque theme, accompanied by an orchestra, where string instruments take center stage, along with drums and incorporation of electric instruments.

“Por quien merece amor” was a song that made him popular in Latin American countries.
A work with the participation of guest musicians, and where the mastery of his acoustic guitar is evident in the song “Gaviota”, one of my favorites.

Tríptico (1984)

Here we have three exquisite volumes. All the songs that integrate it, were written and composed by him.

For me, they will always be remembered with a distinct affection, since they were the records I listened to when I was in Poland in the 80s.

Albums that have a great contrast, being among all, the ones that were made with the least elaborate cover. On the other hand, their songs are very good.

My favorite, is the volume 2, where we find epic songs like: “Llover sobre mojado”, “Ángel para un final”, “El vigía”, “El dulce abismo”, “Reparador de sueños”, “Me veo claramente”, among others.

Causas y azares (1986)

Recorded in the Madrid studio Sonoland, Spain. Its initial vinyl version, is composed of two discs, not so in its digital format reissued for a single C.D.

Here my favorite songs are: “Causas y azares”, “Sólo el amor”, “Canción en harapos”, “Sueño de una noche de verano” and “No hacen falta alas”.

¡Oh! Melancolía (1988)

Recorded in conjunction with the group Afrocuba. This vinyl features beautiful songs with the National School of Arts Choir in Havana, and the renowned troubadour Pablo Milanés, such as: “Locuras” and “Entre el espanto y la ternura”.

An album, where he dedicated several songs to different personalities.

Silvio (1992)

I leave for the end, what I consider to be Silvio's most elaborated album, and which also coincides with the critics' criteria.

The EGREM label witnessed the maturation and crystallization of this project. Here he expressed his most personal side, his emotions, and his thoughts about the reality of his people.
Details that can be glimpsed from the cover of the album, in black, with the letters of his name on the left in white, and the position of his hand, as a sign that imbues strength to the content of his lyrics.

There are about 46 minutes to enjoy the quality of these songs. If I am going to choose only two songs, among the 12 that integrate it, I will choose “El necio” and “Quién fuera”, they are really masterful.

In short, when one refers to Silvio Rodríguez it means talking about poetry made music, songs that kiss the soul, with a melodic voice and acoustic guitar arpeggios. Over the years, he has managed to position his name as a reference in the genre of Cuban popular trova.

Thanks to those who read me. Greetings to all.