The second of four volumes of the song „La Paloma“ recorded by the crazies at Trikont is no less powerful than the first. There are 26 different versions by artists from all over the world and the 20th century. So itchy has this song been in the hearts and minds of musicians that they cannot resist the temptation to do their own versions of its ageless sonances. The highlights on volume two are almost impossible to separate from the lesser material: there is none. The disc opens with Esquivel doing a completely out rumba version of the tune from 1960, followed shortly thereafter by Humphrey Bogart’s rendering in the film The Maltese Falcon (not the song, but the ship). For those few of you who are too young or senile to recognize it — perhaps you’ve never been to a wedding? — Paco de Lucia’s version, which is snappier but still played with the traditional melody, may spark your memory. Hank Snow does a gorgeous job making the tune even more lonesome than its origins dictate. And then there’s the ska version by Baba Brooks/King Edwards‘ Dr. No recorded in 1964, and the modern version by Coco Schumann (a jazz shlockmeister who Trikont loves). But in the Latin communities where the song takes on a new identity with each performer who renders it, the song becomed part of a historical and cultural continuum that personalizes each version for those listeners who became acquainted with it via that rendering. On this set, there are bloody passionate renderings by Freddy Fender who retitles the song „Take her a Message (I’m Lonely),“ as well as the Joker’s killer doo wop version recorded in 1976. The cheesiest take is Xavier Cugat’s from 1940, and the most moving and stunningly beautiful is by Luciano Tajoli & Angelo Serevida, recorded in 1946. Here are two tenors taking the song to new heights of sophistication without robbing it of its folksy integrity. Volume two may not be quite as strong as its predecessor, but its not as weird either. It’s a great listen either way. ~ Thom Jurek
Die La Paloma Edition: 26 weitere Versionen eines Liedes quer durch alles Genres und Zeiten. Freigegeben zur Zeitreise und zur Entdeckung. Kein Lied der Welt ist je so oft gesungen, gespielt, interpretiert, arrangiert, vervielfältigt und auf diversen Tonträgern festgehalten worden. La Paloma – das Lied des 20.Jahrhunderts.
CD im Digipak mit ausführlichem Booklet / Mp3-Download
Zusammengestellt und herausgegeben von: Kalle Laar
Die “Ursonate des Pop” taz
8,99 € – 10,00 €