Mountain Music of Puerto Rico (CD - 2003)

Musica jibara, the mountain village music of Puerto Rico, has experienced a revival. Ecos de Borinquen, a group of virtuoso jibaro performers, show their shining strength, dexterity, and spirit of jubilation through this outstanding album. The spunky guitars and cuatro (a steel-stringed instrument) ring of Puerto Rico's old-world Spanish and Caribbean influences, and the seductive salsa percussion generates an atmosphere most native Puerto Ricans associate with all-night celebrations and partying. What may be more obvious to Spanish speakers than English speakers is the marvelous use of poetry and language in the band's often-improvised lyrics. Led by jibaro master Miguel Santiago Diaz, Ecos de Borinquen embody the resilient, uplifting spirit of the Puerto Rican musical tradition. minimize