Chavela at Carnegie Hall
Chavela Vargas's voice isn't technically beautiful, per se. It doesn't soar upon lovely melodies or dance among cooing choruses. Rather, the iconic singer's vocals became an integral part of whatever it is she is singing, a natural extension of the music. Vargas' unique approach to a song makes this collection, recorded in September 2003 at Carnegie Hill in New York City, an otherworldly experience. Her singing--withered by love, loss and a decidedly uncommon life--takes root within the rapturous lyrics of Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Agustin Lara, and Cuco Sanchez, among others. The partnership blossoms and grows, often twisting and turning through anger, tears and moments of sheer joy. Vargas lets out pleading cries and guttural growls that make each song entirely her own. Throughout the concert--and amid the disc's lush artwork--Vargas stands as a captivating goddess. Her moments of humanity, however (apologizing for not speaking English, lavishing gushing praise on a few songs) make the experience all the more captivating.--Joey Guerra