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Adios, Ibrahim

While in New Orleans for the RTDA Show at the beginning of the month, T and I left the conference center and went to the first little shop we could find selling bottled water because it was 115 degrees. Upon entering we were greeted by the soothing voice of Ibrahim Ferrer playing over a jambox, which looked to be from the 80s and was duct taped above the register. The man working the register was singing along passionately with the cassette. When we returned to our hotel room at the trendy W hotel and turned on the TV we found that Mr. Ferrer had passed away only the day before. And thus I harken back to my druthers - if a well-known Cuban had to leave us, why couldn't it be Fidel Castro instead of Ibrahim Ferrer?

Last weekend my family and I got into our van and when I turned it on we were greeted by the same soporific voice from 91.7 WKNO that had been playing in that little bodega in New Orleans. I said, "That's Ibrahim Ferrer," and K asked how I knew that. "How many other Cuban vocalists do you know?" I asked. But how could you not know that voice? That sorrowful, hopeful, bolero-style voice is the sound of Cuba. It's the sound of what could have been if things had gone differently decades ago and the promise that that nation holds in its tourism and agriculture could have been allowed to flourish. Instead of something great like Ferrer being allowed to share his gift with the world, he instead grew old shining shoes.

Most people in the U.S. who know of Ferrer do so through the movie and CD "Buena Vista Social Club," and those of you who haven't seen this film or heard the music really should do yourself a favor and check them out.

One day - and soon, hopefully - this silly embargo will be lifted so we Americans can enjoy Cuba's best beaches, rum and, of course, cigars. Unfortunately, Ibrahim Ferrer won't be around to witness it.

Posted by Richard Alley at August 25, 2005 03:03 PM

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