The album "Celia Cruz En Vivo: 100 Años de Azúcar", a commemorative compilation dedicated to the centenary of the Queen of Salsa, featuring nine unreleased tracks recorded live in Miami during 1986 and 1987, was released last Friday under the Loud And Live Studios label.
This new LP includes iconic hits like "Quimbara", "Bemba Colorá", "La Dicha Mía", and "Tu Voz", but in "completely unreleased versions restored and remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Pedro 'Waldy D' Domínguez," according to Celia Cruz's Instagram profile.
The album, available on all digital platforms and in physical format on the artist's website, was produced by Loud And Live Studios and curated by Nelson Albareda, Omer Pardillo-Cid, and Albertico Rodríguez. According to the note, this compilation becomes "a tribute to the immortality of Celia Cruz," and includes special editions with a limited-edition collector's box adorned with authentic fabric from one of the Queen of Salsa's costumes, and a book of one hundred commemorative photographs and collectible printed sheets.
Regarding the discovery of the nine unreleased tracks, Nelson Albareda, one of the music producers of the LP, pointed out on Instagram that "they discovered the never-before-heard live recordings and immediately knew this was her way of telling us that she is still here honoring us with her music and flavor."
He considered that the new album "transmits the contagious energy and inspiring enthusiasm of Celia," whose music "was of immense contribution worldwide," he emphasized.
"Celia Cruz En Vivo: 100 Años de Azúcar is now available! Our beloved Queen of Salsa was and continues to be a global icon," said the music producer, who admitted to being a great fan of the Cuban artist.
Omer Pardillo-Cid, the universal executor of the singer's legacy and her former manager, explained in a press release that they were unaware of the recordings made by broadcaster Albertico Rodríguez, as cited by the news portal Diario de las Américas.
"Celia only released one live album throughout her career, which makes these recordings even more valuable and this album even more special for her fans," he added.
Celia Cruz Alfonso was born on October 21, 1925, in Cuba and passed away on July 16, 2003, in the USA, due to a brain tumor. Known as the "Queen of Salsa," she took her music to the world with the Fania All-Stars, received countless recognitions, including multiple platinum and gold records, three Grammy Awards, four Latin Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of the Arts, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Her legacy has been so great that even the United States Mint officially announced the final designs for the third year of the American Women Quarters Program, which includes Celia Cruz along with other illustrious female personalities, set to circulate starting in 2024.
FAQs About Celia Cruz's New Album
Here are some frequently asked questions about the new album "Celia Cruz En Vivo: 100 Años de Azúcar" and their answers to provide more insights for fans and readers.
What is special about the new Celia Cruz album?
The album features nine unreleased live tracks recorded in Miami during 1986 and 1987, restored and remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Pedro "Waldy D" Domínguez.
Who produced and curated the album?
The album was produced by Loud And Live Studios and curated by Nelson Albareda, Omer Pardillo-Cid, and Albertico Rodríguez.
Where can fans purchase the album?
The album is available on all digital platforms and in physical format on Celia Cruz's official website.
What special editions are included in the album?
The album includes special editions with a limited-edition collector's box adorned with authentic fabric from one of Celia Cruz's costumes and a book of one hundred commemorative photographs and collectible printed sheets.