|
|
 |
CD Review
|
| Click Here to go back. |
Latin Beat, CD Review >>
PERU NEGRO
Jolgorio
(Times Square Records)
The release of this CD marks the 35th anniversary of the Afro-Peruvian performance troupe, Perú Negro. The real story begins in the early 1700s, when Peruvians had to make do with what was at hand. From the crates used to collect fruit on the farms evolved the cajón (wooden box) straddled by its player who bent down to beat the box by hand, like a drum. Next came the cajita (small lidded box), originally found and used for collecting monetary offerings in Catholic churched. Sound was produced by opening and closing the lid and by beating the side of the box with a stick. And then cam the quijada de burro (jawbone of a donkey). The side of a dried-out donkey jaw was beaten by a player’s palm, thus causing all the loosened teeth to vibrate in sound. This is the percussive backbone of Afro-Peruvian music. Later on, the sounds of melodic guitars and passionate vocals evolved to compliment the true essence of Black Peruvian music.
In 1969, Afro-Peruvian percussionist and folklorist Ronaldo Campos adapted his repertoire to emphasize Peruvian black music, and consequently created the ensemble Perú Negro. Today, the ensemble is considered a national treasure of Perú. This release, under the direction of Rony Campos (son of Ronoldo, who died in 2001) is experiencing a revival. The new instrumentation includes the presence of flute, violin, acoustic and electric bass, and Cuban drums transplanted and adapted to Perú, including the wooden batajón, which is a cross between a cajón and a batá (double-headed hourglass shape drum). A total of thirteen tracks showcase the diverse elements of Perú Negro’s repertoire from festijos (festive songs); such as the opener (Como Cantan, Como Bailan Los Negros), Jolgorio DeLos Negritos Guaranguito, Picarón, and Con Su Toque De Violin; to the carnival dance of Son De Los Diablos and the comparsa Carnival Negro. (RM) 03/01/04
|
| Click Here to go back. |
|
 |
|
|
|
