Duets

There's a definite problem here, and by and large it's a lack of inspiration. Historically, Compay Segundo has been a great duet singer -- all you have to do is listen to his vintage recordings, made well over 40 years before Buena Vista Social Club turned him into a star. However, these aren't those recordings, but mostly newer material (with the exception of "Tente en Pie," which dates from 1950 and offers an indication of what this could have been, if done properly). But Segundo with Charles Aznavour? It didn't work when first released, and it doesn't work when reprised here. But things reach a nadir when he's teamed up with none other than Lou Bega -- why? -- and then, well, that famous singer Antonio Banderas for "Beautiful Maria of My Soul," where Segundo simply sounds like he's phoning in his part on a bad line. Like most compilations of this ilk, it draws on the novelty factor (oh look, there's Segundo with Cesaria Evora!) rather than any sense of quality in the music. It might keep him in the public eye, but at what cost, really? ~ Chris Nickson