Search - Los Pleneros de La 21, El Quinteto Criollo :: Puerto Rico Tropical

100% PUERTO RICAN 0% CUBAN

Joe Aponte | New York,NY | 02/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MR. Martinez seems to be confused or ignorant to say that this
music has any pint of Cuban in it. This album has absolutely
no Cuban influence to it. Songs like Aguinaldo Jibaro and Seis
Con Decima have strong Spanish influences while Morena, Monta
Mi Guagua blends Spanish & African traditions NOT CUBAN. The album features "pure" traditional music they are bombas played
with barril drums, maracas, guiros, and cua. The plenas are
played with panderos, maracas, and guiros and the aguinaldos
played with maracas and guiros while most songs have the Puerto Rican national instrument- The cuatro guitar. These bombas and plenas are not a la Tito Puente where they sound like they have a mambo influence to them."

The basic frame of Puerto Rican folk music is presented

06/28/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've never heard typical Puerto Rican music and would like to get acquainted with it, this is your CD. The sounds of the Afro-Rican rhythyms are strong, undiluted, with raw energy and force. The first bomba "Bambulae" shows the African tribal chant and response element, encased in a powerful drum and percussion frame. The presence of no other instruments provide an inkling of how early slaves released stress and the tribulations of their situation. Dance to it and feel free. Jíbaro music is poignant and nostalgic. "Yo le canto a la montaña" has the best singer and composer, but the "aguinaldo" to John the Baptist contains my favorite jíbaro rhythym, reminiscent of roast pig, Christmas carrolling, and family gatherings. The cuatro fretwork is not as intricate as I'm used to (I play that instrument), but it sounds like we play it in the country side when we gather impromptu, no holds barred in creativity to play. Let me suggest "Melodía Tropical", if you want more of Puerto Rican folk music, after you've heard this CD. Look for CD's from the Cepeda Family for Afro-Rican music. They're one of the most famous exponents with generations of musicians living to preserve the African heritage in the Puerto Rican musical psyche. The group Mapeyé, for jíbaro music, stands alone. Their cuatro work is astounding, without dubbing or mixing in the recording. They sound in the CD as they do in live performances. The depth of their compositions and the feeling of the "trovadores" is genuine and heartfelt. If you understand Spanish and know about Puerto Rico, you'll find the lyrics contemporaneous and relevant to our identity. Clinging to the traditions, but looking to the future. Wow! I've written too much, but I hope to give someone the chance to experience folk music that is not mentioned too much. Puerto Rico is famous for salsa and merengue artists, but the folk element is largely unknown. Sample it and enjoy!!"