CATERINA and EDMUNDO Are The Aces

Original Released on LP Decca PFS 4157 (stereo) 
(UK, 1969)

"Nothing but Aces" from 1969 pairs Caterina Valente and Edmundo Ros in nine Latin evergreens and three English hits (in Spanish translations) for a joyful, intimate romp. To say that this album is good is an understatement - it's phenomenal. Each piece has a different sound and is approached from a deep understanding of the music, lyrics, and country of origin. Valente and Ros get inside this music, and consequently it sounds fresh and effervescent. Valente and Ros start with the traditional "La Bamba", then move to Brazil for Ovalle's "Azulão" and then hit McCartney's "The Fool on the Hill" in a Spanish translation. "Sabor a Mi" (better known to English listeners as "Be True to Me") is rendered in a soft, lush, atmosphere. Arguably, the best thing on the disc is the Spanish translation of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" - the only rendition I can think of that tops Caterina's is Doris Day's 1956 recording of the piece with Paul Weston. Ros is Valente's duet partner in several of the pieces and it sounds as if the two really clicked in the studio. In my opinion, they are a perfect match; they really know this music and toss off the pieces with aplomb.