Fiesta Cubana: Omara Portuondo & Band—Live from the Tropicana

A celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Havana nightclub Tropicana, Fiesta Cubana features Grammy Award–winning female vocalist Omara Portuondo in a musical spectacle recalling the era of Carmen Miranda, whose career was launched at the famous venue (according to the liner notes, Xavier Cugat and Josephine Baker also appeared there). The program opens with scenes from Cuban street life intercut with sequences featuring Tropicana Ballet dancers—who also perform between musical selections—decked out in sequins, ruffles, and elaborate headdresses. Although the men are fully clothed, some of the female bodysuits bear embroidered designs meant to suggest nudity, lending the revue a burlesque or cabaret feel. Two vocalists in extravagant outfits deliver a couple of upbeat numbers, heavy on the brass and bongos, before Portuondo sings three songs with her five-piece band (guitar, double bass, drums, percussion, and piano). Portuondo's voice is in fine form, although she uses a lyric sheet on occasion, which seems surprising for a veteran. After more singing and dancing from the other entertainers, Portuondo returns for four more tunes, including the ballad “Dos Gardenias” (heard in Buena Vista Social Club), Henri Salvador's “Yo Ví,” and the perennial classic “Guantanamera.” Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, and PCM stereo, DVD extras include an interview with the legendary singer and a featurette displaying the talents of the Tropicana's “equilibrists.” Recommended. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)