Single Review: Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan — “Mi Amore, Perdoname” b/w “The Real Thing (Spanish Version)”
Cuban quintet Los Zafiros released “Mi Amor, Perdoname” in 1962. Though the song wouldn’t gain traction in U.S. markets – blame the embargo – the group was popular in Cuba, remaining together until the mid 1970s. Now the song is rescued fomr obscurity by Bay Area sensations Andre Cruz and Chris Lujan. The duo give the tune an arrangement that is both true to the original and emblematic of their modern-day signature sweet soul style.
Released as a single, Mi Amor, Perdoname” is backed with a Spanish-language remake of Cruz and Lujan’s “The Real Thing.” Keeping the arrangement of their 2021 English-language recording, the pair leans into the Spanish vibe with a new vocal track. It’s a perfect pairing with the A-side, in keeping with the heartfelt, soulful musical values that have earned Lujan and Cruz an honored spot at the top of the current brown-eyed soul scene.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.