Latin-Music Film Should Be Praised

Re Agustin Gurza’s Riffs column on Ry Cooder and the Buena Vista Social Club (“Buena Vista Seems Blinded by Son,” Calendar Weekend, July 1):

As one born outside of Latin culture, I lack a reference point, as do many people of other cultures, for the sounds that make Latin music unique. Ry Cooder has introduced those sounds to me and so many who would never have heard them.

You have disappointed me and may have turned people away from a major proponent that, I believe, can help to free Cuba: a wonderful documentary film, “Buena Vista Social Club.”

“Buena Vista Social Club” showed Cuban life and a crumbling Havana ravaged by time and the American embargo. I can’t remember a movie having so profound an impact on me, ever! The only event that brought tears to the extent as “Buena Vista Social Club” was my father’s death. Cuba is dying and needs resuscitation.

The music, for me, reflected Cuba’s sadness and despair but offered hope that we may see a new day for Cuba and her people. The smiles of the people in spite of all that has happened were like rays of light. The lady who joined in to sing along as Omara Portuondo, walking through a Havana neighborhood, sang, showed that these were not new songs but were etched deeply into the culture and known by many. The dream is alive. Music is alive.

I don’t speak Spanish and do not understand most of the lyrics, but I do feel the rhythm and spirit. Music offers hope and communication where words alone cannot.

I first heard Ry Cooder in 1970. I remember, vividly, the amazement at hearing “old” sounds played with a verve and gusto not shown by other rock ‘n rollers.

Since that day, Ry has introduced me to the norteno sounds of his Chicken Skin Revue combining black gospel, blues and Mexican musical styles. Flaco Jimenez has become a major recording star and has performed with many others widening the sphere of musical acceptance.

Ry went on to introduce us to the music of the Pahinui Brothers from Hawaii--slack-key tunes seldom heard on the mainland. He introduced music from times and places past; music and musicians unheard outside cultural barriers. Ry’s enthusiasm for music that is fading should be applauded.

That the Cuban musicians in “Buena Vista Social Club” aren’t the originals doesn’t matter; people are becoming aware of sounds that exist outside their sphere of musical awareness, regardless. That’s good.

Rather than diminish the contribution of Ry Cooder and the musicians of “Buena Vista Social Club,” instead salute them for their efforts. Thank them for allowing us the honor of hearing the music that they love and have shared with us.

Gurza is fortunate to have grown up in the culture. Many of us outside are learning; many more need to learn. I don’t doubt that he has a huge library of Cuban recordings. Great! Can we come over to listen?

Please provide the readers with a list of essential recordings. Please do it for other cultures as well. Tell us where to buy them. Don’t keep your culture to yourself. Share it.

Multicultural awareness is essential if we are going to live together. There are many people who will listen. Encourage them. We have grown weary of the negative images of Latin culture; show us the positives!

Please don’t diminish the important work of communicating culture-to-culture; the sharing is much more important than the suppression that has gone on for the last 40 years.

Viva “Buena Vista Social Club”! Viva Ry Cooder! Viva Cuba! Cuba Libre!

JOHN R. DOLLRIEHS

Fountain Valley