Farewell shows sometimes prove to be nothing of the kind, but this emotional event marked what is surely the beginning of the end for a Cuban musical phenomenon. Buena Vista Social Club released only one studio album, in 1997, and gave only three concerts with their original lineup, but notched up worldwide sales of 9m. Then came solo albums, and more than 1,000 shows by the ever-changing success that is now officially known as Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club. This was the London date of their Adios tour, and the Albert Hall was packed. One surviving member, Eliades Ochoa, had decided not to take part (though he will apparently be present for a final London farewell in July), but a 13-piece lineup that included three other original members made an impressive stab at continuing the club’s legacy.
It was an evening of unashamed nostalgia, and it started with the young pianist Rolando Luna playing Como Siento Yo beneath a screen showing BVSC’s original star pianist, the late Rubén González (whose recording of the piece appears on the band’s new archive set, Lost and Found). Then came a reminder of that great bassist, the late Cachaito López, featuring a fine solo from surviving member Barbarito Torres, and songs made famous by Ibrahim Ferrer.
The current Social Club were beginning to sound like a classy tribute band, but were transformed by the arrival of Cuba’s veteran diva Omara Portuondo. Now 84, she brought the crowd to their feet as she showed off her dance moves on Lagrimas Negras, and followed with a slow, exquisite and powerful treatment of Veinte Años, from the original BVSC album, now backed by piano and trombone. She was only on stage for 40 minutes but provided a memorable reminder of why these Cuban veterans shook up popular music.
At Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 7 April. Box office: 0151-709 3789. Then touring until 30 July.
