Los Zafiros: Music from the Edge of Time

Somethiong Different and Beautiful
Are you getting tired of hearing the same thing over and over again? Are you in the mood for something different, but don't know where to start? "Los Zafiros: Music from the Edge of Time" might be just what you are looking for, even if you don't know it. Don't expect this DVD to be on display in a special showcase at your local Shop-a-Mart; this is a special-niche documentary that achieves big results with little fanfare. Los Zafiros were a Cuban band that achieved superstardom in their home country and Europe in a post-Bay of Pigs universe that prevented them (along with a language barrier) from being heard in America. In 1964, Los Zafiros were the second most popular act in Cuba, after the Beatles. Their sound relied heavily on the Platters, but also has a touch of Smokey Robinson's Miracles, the Drifters, and the Flamingoes. The music takes the traditional American-style doo-wop and stylizes it into something extraordinary by stretching past the typical baion rhythms of American...

interesting but not necessarily compelling
American listeners are most familiar with Manuel Galbán for his role in "Buena Vista Social Club." In that project, he only played an accompanying role. As a follow-up, "Mambo Sinuendo" stands as his most outstanding contribution. Those who were wooed by the instrumental guitar album will appreciate learning about the group that originally put Galbán on the musical map. Los Zafiros were a Cuban doo-wop group from the 1960's. Back in the day, they were all the rage. As an international phenomenon, the group traveled the world before returning home to implode. With the help of the surviving band members and those who lived through it all, "Music from the Edge of Time" is a nostalgic look at 'The Sapphires.' The film is interesting, but that's not the same as compelling. The best way appreciate this project may be to compare it with...

Los Zafiros: Untold history that can't be told
1962, Cuba. "Señores" (Mr.) are now "Compañeros or Camaradas" (Comrades) as in USSR, Che Guevara introduces the concept of "Hombre Nuevo" (New Man). Prostitution, Cabarets, Casinos, Night Life, Vitrolas are considered "vicious of the imperialism", like the rock, doo-wop, jazz, and american music. Luis Bravo, the only successful cuban rock singer ever, was criticized and never returned to the country after a USA tour that year. In the 70's songs sung in English were forbidden, Radio and TV promoted "Nueva Trova" and "Salsa", in the early 70's the Cuban Underground Rock dissapear.
Los zafiros, the best vocal cuban group ever, played american style music, like the Platters or the Motown Sound, but at the same time they mixed cuban rythms and Bossa Nova, so they found the way to perform on TV and cuban Radio. But the Zafiro's life style never match the image of the "Hombre Nuevo" and they suddenly and misteriously vanished(?). There was no public information at all...

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