HAVANA SHINES IN LONDON

The remaining original members of the Buena Vista Social Club held their own in this joyous, bittersweet end to a remarkable era. It was the old guard, all holding their own on this farewell tour, who shone: angular guitarist Papi Oviedo, 78, Barbarito Torres, briefly playing his Cuban lute behind his back, the great diva Omara Portuondo, 85, resplendent in orange pantsuit and Birkenstocks with socks, variously emoting, gyrating and kicking her legs up. They played Chan Chan, of course, and Dos Gardenias and Candela. It was a joyous, bittersweet end to a remarkable era. Adios, then, Buena Vista. Adios y muchas gracias.***** London Standard Evening