This is a great Compilation of Cuban music specially for anyone who hasn't been exposed to the distinctive sound of Cuba. It interject party salsa beat then the next track would be kinda sad and romantic with undulating drums and melancolic trumpets. Slow or fast you'll find that your hips and feet are doing some pretty strange things once you push play. Bet you never knew that you can dance around your kitchen floor before. Never mind that your spanish is a little shaky. Just read the insert if you must know the meaning of each song, but it is the melody, the salsa beat that will make carry you away. And also the art cover is beautiful to look at. In fact most Putumayo CD have these really beautiful art work, you'd want to collect them all.

I had heard of Putumayo, and as a world music fan, I always wanted to get my hands on one of their collections. I finally got Putumayo Presents: Cuba at a music store in Nashville and I was hooked immediately. Every track is great, but, as a fan of the more fast-paced Latin music, I would have to say that my favorite tracks are "Compositor Confundido" (by one of my favorite Buena Vista estrellas, Ibrahim Ferrer), "Campina," "Sabroso Como el Guarapo," and "Mamí Me Gustó," & "Boliviana" (2 classics). Also worth mentioning is "Al Vaiven de mi Carreta," which demonstrates the emotional oice of Eliades Ochoa (another star of Buena Vista) and "Mecanica de Amor," which is a very great "hip-hop" style song (Hip-Hop has in recent years become very popular in Cuba, I've heard). This disc is definitely a must-have for any Cuban music or worldbeat enthusiast.

ok, everyone here recommended Sierra Maestra's "El Reloj De Pastora", and while it's good - no doubt about it, my soul has bonded to another track.
it is track no. 6, "Mecanica de Amor", which I deeply regret Amazon not putting a sample of it on this site, just so everyone will become instantly addicted to it as I have. I am listening to it right now. Bliss.
The magic of that song is the use of violins instead of the usual brass instruments. There isn't a trumpet to be found here. as a result the sound is softer, and much richer. I can also say that all my salsero friends here in Israel agree that this is the best track on this CD. my best guy friends crowned it (I quote): "it's a masterpiece!"
other highlights: song no. 8 ("Boliviana", wonderful wonderful harmony), and song no. 5 ("Sabroso Como El Guarapo"). Both feature wonderful flute solos, especially "Boliviana", which is on the jazzier side.
Just buy the CD. Now.

I have never Been to Cuba. Would love to go... I love Cuban music, and this cd is excellent. It is not repetitive and each song has it's own flair. Definentely a good Cuban selection. I don't know how authentic it is, but knowing Putumayo, it is probably close!

This CD is lots of fun. If you are new to Cuban music, Putumayo has put together a delightful overview. Based on this purchase, I hope to get my hands on more CDs from Putumayo. Highly recommended.