Cuban guitarist, singer and songwriter Máximo Francisco Repilado Muñoz Telles (1907 – 2003), better known by his artist name Compay Segundo (second voice/vocals) is one of those artists who’s music and story are one of a kind. Ranging in styles from Afro-Cuban Son to Guaracha and Danzon Repilado is rightfully considered by some to be one of the most influential Cuban musicians to date.
With his distinct sound Repilado enjoyed some popularity in Cuba and elsewhere from 1950’s to 70’s but after that slowly drifted into obscurity. He was all but forgotten and working as a cigar roller when US producer Ry Cooder went to Cuba in the late 1990’s to preserve the dying artform and the original sound of Son. Cooder assembled the band Buena Vista Social Club from elderly Cuban musicians and chose Segundo, then in his 90’s to be the frontman of the band. Their eponymous album became a worldwide hit and was responsible for restoring life to the traditional Cuban music.
Known for his love of women, rum and cigars Repilado’s style and sound is now immortal and has influenced countless musicians all over the world. Ry Cooder said in an interview that what made Segundo truly special was that his musical identity was fully formed in pre-recording times and because of that his sound and recordings had the vibe of something that was not here anymore. Compay Segundo was a man from another time and was the eldest of the elders of Son thus posessing the essence of the incredible musical style he was part of creating.
From vinyl collectors point of view Compay Segundo’s old records are all great artefacts and almost never show up for grabs. I have included here in this Brief Moment mix some of my favourite tracks from his 7” singles. Timespan of the music is from the 1960’s to 1990’s including versions of his tracks Macusa and Chan Chan recorded together with Buena Vista Social Club.
TRACKLIST:
Compay Segundo Y Su Grupo – Sera Cuando Tu Digas
Compay Segundo Y Su Grupo – Guananey
Compay Segundo Y Su Grupo – Ahora Me Da Pena
Compay Segundo Y Su Grupo – La Juma De Ayer
Compay Segundo Y Su Grupo – La Lengua
Buena Vista Social Club – Macusa
Buena Vista Social Club – Chan Chan