Folklorico Dance Third Song video description

Good Morning!

As I watched the Folklorico video, I was especially intrigued by the third song in the video series.
Official description:

The song starts off with Cuban “drum-heartbeat riff”. Then it is accompanied by a bass and acoustic guitar. Then, the vocals start to take over the presence and structure of the song. It features repetitive call and response in the chorus. The tempo is very fast and I am always reminded of the great Desi Arnaz when I hear this type of music. Around 5.33, there is a really awesome guitar solo that just makes the song whole and complete. Then the chorus and lead vocals reappear once again. With all of the instruments playing…shakers, acoustic guitar, drums and bass…the song turns to complete magic. The song is sung in Spanish and it is accompanied by acoustic guitar (mainly)!
I think its really neat what the legendary “Queen of Salsa” said about the power of Salsa music. Celia Cruz…who left Cuba in 1960 for New York. She was a African-Cuban singer who studied music in Havana’s Conservatorio Musicall. She was born in Havana, Cuba, on October 21,1924. According to my Spanish language textbook “Panarama”, “Celia settled in New York City, where she recorded over fifty solo albums. Celia formed an engaging stage presence , with eccentric outfits, colorful wigs, and her popular catchword Azucar! Throughout her long and prolific career, Celia received numerous awards and recognitions, such as the National Endowment for the Arts, in 1994. After her cancer related death on July 16th 2003, Celia Cruz’s life was celebrated with public funerals Miami and New York” (Blanco, Pg.205).
Ms. Cruz says: “Salsa is Cuban music with another name. It’s mambo, chachacha, rumba, son…all the Cuban rhythms under one name” (Steward, 488).

Latin infused music has it’s own unique spirit. It’s rather special. From artists such as Desi Arnaz to Ricky Martin, Latin music holds true to it’s African rooted rhythms. A great example of this Latin cultural heritage is a song by Desi Arnaz called “Babalu”. Desi Arnaz was one of the most important Cuban musicians and he brought the magic of the mambo to New York. In the 1950′s, when listeners tuned in to watch the “I Love Lucy” show, they were able to experience a taste of Latin music when Desi played all types of Latin romance songs. Some of these songs include “Cuban Pete”, “Simalau” and the ever popular “Babalu”.

In conclusion, music brings community together! Latin music certainly defines its musical roots in Africa. From the Afro-Cuban drum rhythms to intricate festive dances, the heritage of African music remains true!

Add a comment December 2, 2009

Puerto Rico–Ricky Martin

Good evening!

When I read the article about Salsa music and Puerto Rican music, I became very interested in learning about the career of Ricky Martin.

In 1999, when I was twelve years old, I remember hearing “Living La Vida Loca” on the radio. I thought it was a great song and it has a very catchy tune!
Ricky Martin is from Puerto Rico and has two toddler sons Matteo and Valentino.
I really enjoy the song “Living La Vida Loca” and I really think the song encaptures the spirit of Latin Music. It has great rhythm and the brass horns really carry the song!

Aloha!

Add a comment December 1, 2009