RARE ETHNIC SPANISH CUBAN 78RPM PHONOGRAPH DIVA RITA MONTANER COLUMBIA RECORDS

$

66

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On this occasion, for your consideration, is an ethnic Spanish Cuban 78rpm phonograph record by famed Cuban diva, Rita Montaner (1900-1958), a major figure in Cuban music.

Label: COLUMBIA [GREEN VIVA-TONAL]

Artist: RITA MONTANER

Titles: CHIVO QUE ROMPE TAMBO – TANGO-CONGO; VETE A COLA CAFE – AJIACO CUBANO

Description:  

Known as “Rita la Unica” (Rita the Unique One) and “Rita de Cuba” (Rita of Cuba), this versatile artist is one of the most revered representatives of Cuban music of all times.  For decades, she was THE idol of Cuban music for her extraordinary voice and physical beauty.  She performed in numerous stage theater and musical shows and concerts.  In addition, she reached mass audiences nationally and internationally by performing on recordings (such as this one offered here), cabaret, radio, film, and, in her later years, on television.  This recording includes the famous song “Chivo que rompe tambo” (Goat who breaks the drum), composed by acclaimed composer Moises Simons.  This cut is a tango-congo, a rhythm utilized in zarzuelas and afro song compositions in the 1920s and 1930s.  In these kind of songs, as in this example, the singer imitates what many considered stereotypically to be a distinctly African slave way of speaking of Spanish:  "Africanized" Spanish.  The other song is denominated as an ajiaco africano (African stew), a metaphor for a fusion of many African elements.  There is great piano accompaniment on both sides, probably by Rita, who also was an accomplished pianist.

Condition: 

VG+:   A great copy with minor groove wear.  Mix of gloss and moderate surface noise with the usual background hiss and occasional pops (please see pictures).  Both sides play loud and clear.

78s Grading:  I grade items visually, noting any defects such as scuffing and scratches, rim chips, or flakes, and hair or lam cracks.  In addition to the visual grading, I also offer a brief description of the overall sound quality as I hear it on my record player and sound equipment.  I do not use any state-of-the-art digital audio restoration software that removes hisses, clicks, pops, and crackles.  Those sounds are “natural” in many 78s as they were recorded (by acoustic or electric means) and pressed with technology developed in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries.

As many avid collectors know, many of these 78 rpm discs are extremely rare, hard to find, and in many cases may be unique examples.  Thus grading them with a letter or number is beside the point.  Recognizing that these recordings are exceptional, I was just lucky and happy to find a playable copy, no matter in what condition I found them, and I hope you will be too.

I also hope the pictures will tell the overall story of their condition.  However, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. ITEM SOLD AS IS.

I have been collecting 78 rpm discs since the early 1980s.  I visited hundreds of record stores, flea markets, thrift stores, estates sales, and web-sites looking for these gems I am auctioning now.  You could say I already did all the hard work for you.  In addition, I am an ethnomusicologist (PhD) with an extensive knowledge of music and musicians from Mexico, Cuba, and the rest of Latin America.  Many of these recordings were used to illustrate college courses I taught about Mexican, Cuban, and other Latin American musics. Thus, I can assure you will be bidding on important recordings.  This is a great opportunity for you to start a great collection or add to your existing one, but I do not have to tell you this.

I will be auctioning my entire collection which includes such artists as Arsenio Rodriguez, Chano Pozo, Sexteto Habanero, Septeto Nacional, Antonio Maria Romeu, Rosales y Robinson, Trio Gárnica Ascencio, Guty Cardenas, Agustín Lara, Lydia Mendoza, and Mariachi Coculense, among others.  Music genres include Danzón, Rumba, Son, Bolero, Mambo, Son Jarocho, Ranchera, Canción Mexicana, Corrido, Fox Trot, etc.  Record labels include Victor Talking Machine (“Scroll”), RCA-Victor, Bluebird, Columbia (Flag, Viva Tonal, Note the Notes, and Grafonola labels), Brunswick, Okeh, Edison, and Coda, among others.

Payment Options: I accept PayPal only.  All payments should be in US funds and must be received within 3 days of auction close.  For quickest service, please complete eBay checkout including your correct shipping address!

Fees listed are for shipping, packaging, and delivery confirmation.  Everything ships via U.S. POSTAL SERVICE, unless otherwise requested by buyer. A DELIVERY CONFIRMATION NUMBER ensures verification of delivery to the address given, and is included in shipping fees.  Buyer pays a flat rate for shipping.

Shipping: By USPS Priority Mail.  Estimated shipping cost:  $5.95 - $11.55 (varies by buyer's location).

I will ship items in sturdy corrugated shipping boxes, packed between cardboard squares taped together.  I will try to ship within 48 hours of receiving the proper payment for your package. However, I DO NOT ship on Sundays OR postal holidays.

We only ship within the US - contiguous 48 states.  I currently DO NOT offer Local Pick Up.  We DO NOT ship to HAWAII, ALASKA, P.O. BOX, GUAM, PUERTO RICO, or INTERNATIONAL addresses.

Combining Multiple Items:  I will be happy to combine items won within a 7-day period into a single shipment, at a discounted rate. Please send an invoice request at auction end to ensure the proper discount.  Combined items need to be paid on a single invoice; be sure to make only ONE payment for all the items you've won.

Feedback:  Once you have received your item and are completely satisfied, please leave me positive feedback and I will gladly return the favor! I am trying to earn your respect and trust, thank you.