Regrettably, many regional Mexican artists will go their entire careers without recording a live album. They know that radio stations are mainly interested in studio recordings, and their labels fear that only the artist's most hardcore fans will purchase a live album. But thankfully, the lack of a live album isn't a problem for
Conjunto Primavera;
Miles de Voces en Vivo documents their appearance at a Mexican Independence Day concert in Chihuahua, Mexico, on September 16, 2004.
Primavera's set isn't strictly a play-the-hits show. The norteño/grupero/Latin pop outfit does perform some of its major hits, including "Ave Cautiva," "Adiós, Adiós Amor," and "Hazme Olvidarla." But because
Primavera's set was part of a Mexican Independence Day celebration, this CD is really about more than
Conjunto Primavera -- it becomes a celebration of Mexican culture in general, and performances of Mexican standards like Gilberto Parra Paz's "Que Dios Te Perdone" and
José Alfredo Jiménez's "Ella" are an excellent way for
Primavera to enjoy September 16 (a day that celebrates Mexico's independence from Spanish rule just as July 4 celebrates U.S. independence from British rule). Some fans will be disappointed to learn that the ballad "Perdoname Mi Amor" -- a major hit for
Primavera in 2002 -- isn't performed. As many hits as
Primavera has had over the years, one doesn't expect
Miles de Voces en Vivo to be all-inclusive -- but did "Perdoname Mi Amor" have to be omitted? Another complaint: the concert's date and location aren't listed in the credits; one has to dig around on the Internet to find that information. But all things considered,
Miles de Voces en Vivo is a rewarding document of
Primavera on-stage -- one that isn't recommended to casual listeners but will definitely please
Primavera's sizable group of hardcore fans. ~ Alex Henderson