Los Hermanos Berbel
La Pureza de los Hermanos Berbel
EMI (Uruguay) 1976
SLPE 500.559 (LP) Plastic outer cover.
sleeve : VG(RW, TEOC, SPSE: tear of vinyl on bottom, dirts, SOC on labels)
media : VG+/VG+(some light surface noise and pop noise caused by light scratches)
A truly hard to find record has arrived. Originally released in 1976, this album is by Los Hermanos Berbel, a group formed by the children of Marcelo Berbel — the poet and composer regarded as one of the key cultural figures of Argentina’s Neuquén region, and said to have been involved in the creation of the provincial anthem. Their first album featured the duo of Hugo Marcelo “Chelito” Berbel and Néstor Armando “Guchi” Berbel, but from this release onward the group became a duo of Hugo and Marité Berbel. Built around traditional rhythms such as milonga, zamba and loncomeo, the album presents a deeply evocative form of folklore from southern Argentina’s Patagonia / Neuquén region, with the land-rooted poetry and melodies of their father Marcelo performed through humble yet richly shaded vocals and guitar. Marité’s beautifully clear voice is especially wonderful, and the moments where the music shifts from major to minor are genuinely moving. The condition is not perfect, but it plays well enough to be fully enjoyed. Please give this one a try.
The sleeve is the type often seen on Uruguayan pressings of the period, with folded artwork housed in a plastic outer cover. There is a large cross-shaped tape mark on the back of the sleeve. Large stickers are attached to both sides of the label.
A3: Desde La Patagonia - Aire De Milong
A5: Romance de Mamá Rosario - Loncomeo
B2: Rio Macho - Canción