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CD Review
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Courier (Conroe, TX), CD Review >>
| The first rustic clip of the cajon paired with the mellifluous gaiety of the flute that opens up the festive opening track ("Como Cantan Como Bailan Los Negros") of Peru Negro's second album wraps the 13 classic and original Spanish-language songs in such consuming joy it's hard to quit listening after it's all done. |
For 35 years, Peru Negro has been a leading force in preserving beautifully rhythmic and complex Afro-Peruvian music and "Jolgorio" captures every bit of the founders' original vision with a perfect blend of European/Indian/African/Latin traditions. Flamenco guitars and the delightful whir of the quijada (a rattle made from donkey jaw bones) in "Taita Cuaranguito" are seductive, the heavy echoing beats of the cajon
(a wooden box) and the congos in "Jolgorio de los Negritos/Guranguito" provide a perfect festival-like bounce to the overall candor, while the chanting festejo "Carnaval Negro" is a blood-pumping rush of percussion and dolorous guitar work. A bright celebration and insanely charming, "Jolgorio" is a rich revival of musical folklore and tradition. A bonus: in the liner notes there's a fascinating outline of the Afro-Peruvian musical history and the traditional dances that often accompany the songs.
5 stars
| 02/20/04 >> go there
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