Credit: Lena Burke
Burke composed and co-produced the track alongside the multi-awarded engineer Carlos Álvarez. “A Celia” is elevated by the participation of several legendary figures in the salsa genre: Gilberto Santa Rosa, José Alberto “El Canario,” La India, and Víctor Manuelle. Adding a profound layer of artistry, maestro Gonzalo Rubalcaba plays the piano, prompting Burke to confess, “When maestro Rubalcaba plays, there is nothing else to play.”
The project, which is part of Lena’s upcoming album, holds a deep personal significance. Her grandmother, the great Cuban singer Elena Burke, shared the stage and a friendship with Celia Cruz decades ago. Lena notes that the tribute during Cruz’s centennial was the best way to honor her: “For inspiring us every day, we thank you, Celia.”
The track has the full support of Omer Pardillo Cid, the executor of the Celia Cruz Estate, and features a spectacular brass arrangement by Cucco Peña, recorded with musicians in Puerto Rico, reminiscent of the legendary La Sonora Matancera.
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