Few people outside of the specialized world music audience originally paid much attention to the Buena Vista Social Club album's beautifully crafted songs and cozy, acoustic rhythms upon its debut. Then, something remarkable happened. A few astute critics gave the record a stellar review, but even while their compliments did not hurt Buena Vista, they are unable to account for what transpired next. Positive reviews drive up sales in the early going, but unless it's a major pop release supported by a large-scale TV marketing campaign, the general trend is that interest thereafter gradually wanes.
Rather, Buena Vista's sales figures increased week after week, almost entirely due to word-of-mouth until the album reached a critical mass. Everyone who heard the record was not only enthralled with Buena Vista's captivating magic, but also motivated to play or suggest the album to everyone they knew. It was one of those rare recordings that sounded completely current but eternal, eschewing the whims of trend and fad. You had to have a heart of stone to resist being carried away by the romantic sentiments and unbridled exuberance of the music once you heard it.
After the recordings, the artists went on the road, with Rubén González, Ibrahim Ferrer, the Afro Cuban All Stars, Eliades Ochoa, Omara Portuondo and Compay Segundo embarking on lengthy tours. Three successful concert appearances by the original Buena Vista Social Club lineup were made: two in Amsterdam's Carré Theatre and the last, illustrious performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. Ten years later, the concert recording of the latter was made available as "Buena Vista Social Club at Carnegie Hall," and it was shot by Wim Wenders as the culmination of his popular documentary likewise titled "Buena Vista Social Club." The ageless, enchanted melodies that gave rise to the mystique of Buena Vista endure to this day..

How to hire Buena Vista Social Club for an event