This extraordinary assortment of styles in a single CD features the ever-popular merengue, folk-religious singing and drumming, working-class bachata dance music (the Dominican offshoot of the Cuban son), contemporary fusions, and much more. Showcasing artists who have performed in an annual summer festival in Washington Heights, it confirms that the joyful spirit of Dominican music is alive and well in the Big Apple."Never less than marvelously entertaining, like the salve of Francia Reyes, where the vocals rise effortlessly above the drums. 'La Multona,' from Neri Olivares, features a scintillating, delicate play of melody…. There's no doubting the dance appeal of the accordion-led meringue tracks. Franklyn Hernández is masterful on them, leading an ensemble (with a terrific sax player) through the adrenalized workouts."—All Music Guide
"While the compilation is varied in tempo and style, a few recurring instruments appear: palos, djembes, congas and bongos, maracas and guiras (shakers), and the call-and-response vocals. Studio-produced, the musicians capture the live feel of street music eloquently…. An important, and thoroughly enjoyable, testament to transnational worship set to the tune of party time."—Sing Out!
The folk music archives that form the wellspring of these Smithsonian recordings are truly incomparable. Encompassing a wide variety of styles, they reflect the heart, soul, and backbone of the American experience as well as indigenous music from around the world. Folkways' impeccable sound and documentation does these artists proud, setting their work off as the treasure it is.
