Plena along with Bomba, is one of the two main African rooted folk rhythms from Puerto Rico. Born in the early 20th century in Ponce, south of Puerto Rico, Plena was like a newspaper spreading the news of historic events around the island. Plena was popular in Puerto Rico until the 1970′s, when Mon Rivera and Héctor Lavoe recorded several Plenas.

In the 80′s and early 90′s Plena was relegated to the Christmas season traditional parrandas. In 1994 Gary Núñez, bassist, one of the most respected musicians in Puerto Rico and founder of projects like “Moliendo Vidrio” and “Caribe Jazz”, created the group “Plena Libre” and revived the Plena music in the late nineties, with a unique modern sound and arrangements, and outstanding compositions. Eighteen years, four grammys and 13 recordings later, Plena Libre comes back with their new release, Corazón, a collection of refreshing songs that keeps showing their strong command of the Plena and Bomba language.

Corazón includes plenas and bombas with accessible lyrics and amazing vocal harmonies. Plenas reminiscent of Mon Rivera like “A papá”, and Kalie Villanueva “Huracan”, the salsa tinge song “La Verdad”, the plena a la Cortijo “Tira la bola”, the classic patriotic theme “Que bonita bandera”, the Bomba “Habla Cuembe” by the patriarch of bomba Rafael Cepeda, and the romantic Gary Núñez themes “Algo contigo”, and “Bomba pa’ ti”. All wrapped in the vocal harmonies, distinct style and sound of Plena Libre.

Tracks: Algo Contigo; Bomba Pa’Ti; A Papá; Qué Es La Vida; Habla Cuembe; Huracán; La Verdad; Tira La Bola; Que Bonita Bandera.

Personnel: Gary Núñez (director, bass, vocals); Emanuel Santana (vocals, guiro); Victor Vélez, Kalie Villanueva (vocals); Rafi Falu (requinto); Rafy Torres, Raymond Flores, Jerry Rivas (trombone); Carlos García (piano); Jonathan Montes (keyboards); Gadwin Vargas (congas); Raúl Rodríguez (timbales); Luisga Nuñez Coz (percussion).

Gary Núñez y Plena Libre on the Web: plenalibre.com

Label: GN Música | Release date: December 2012

Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre