Old Man Bebo (2008) Reviews

• Genius at play

  josean_xx2009-01-12

  A do-cu on legendary and still active Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes. A labor of love for all involved, judging from the footage, and specially for it's director, that followed him for seven years, the film provides an entertaining look at a master musician doing his thing. And his thing certainly goes well beyond playing his instrument. He is as brilliant scoring and directing for small groups as for large dance orchestras and was a pillar of the golden age of Cuban music. It's also a bit a Cinderella story, as Bebo was playing piano on a Swedish hotel when he regained fame in 2000, thanks to Spanish film director Fernando Trueba. As a plus, his life his full of colorful adventures and he is also brilliant with his tales. An engaging experience.