Chavela Vargas - Cupaima

Chavela Vargas is a Costa Rican singer of rancheras, traditionally sung by men about their desire for women. She dressed as a man, smoked cigars, drank heavily, carried a gun and was known for her characteristic red poncho. In a Colombian television interview in 2000, she openly admitted she was a lesbian.

Vargas was born Isabel Vargas Lizano in Costa Rica on April 17, 1919. At only 14, she fled the country because of its lack of opportunities for starting a musical career, seeking refuge in a more sophisticated Mexico. For many years she sang on the streets but in her thirties she became a professional singer. Her first album was released in 1961 and she has recorded over eighty albums. She was partly retired in the late 1970s but came back in her full glory in 1991, debuting at Carnegie Hall in 2003 aged 83. Vargas recently appeared in the 2002 Julie Taymor film Frida, singing 'La Llorona'. Her classic 'Paloma Negra' was also included in the soundtrack of the film. Vargas herself, as a young woman, allegedly had an affair with Frida Kahlo.

This album was produced by the Cultural Departement of the University of Guadalajara in 2006 (she is 87 years old!). It combines her peculiar style of interpretation with prehispanic instruments. Its unique.

Tracklist:

Un Mundo Raro
Piensa En Mi
La Llorona
Las Ciudades
La Vereda Tropical
Maria Tepozteka
Cruz De Olvido
Somos
Soledad
Macorina
Las Simples Cosas
La Despedida