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Global Hit (Audio)
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The World (Public Radio Intl), Global Hit (Audio) >>
The Puerto Rican musical style known as plena emerged in the 19th century. It was inspired by migrant workers from Barbados who brought to the island their own beats and rhythms.
Today, plena is Puerto Rico's national dance. And this year the Puerto Rican band "Plena Libre" celebrates the group's 10th anniversary with a new album called "Estamos Gozandos" or, "we're enjoying ourselves." And even a quick listen to their music is enough to know that the title is right on.
Traditionally, plena was performed using three hand-drums called the panderos. The style has evolved over the years to include more percussion and brass.
"Plena Libre" bassist and bandleader Gary Nunez is one of the people responsible for keeping the plena contemporary. Nunez beefed up his band's sound with bass, keyboards, congas, four trombones, and hired the best singers he could find in Puerto Rico. He's even thrown in an accordion.
Plena Libre's new album "Estamos Gozando" is a tribute to the best plena and bomba composers of the century. And they will be showing their chops in venues across North America starting tonight in Philadelphia. 06/30/04 >> go there
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