Back in the 1950s, it seemed as if the rural music of Puerto Rico might die out, replaced by international
pop
-- the fate of so much
folk
music globally. However, during the 1960s, the government actively promoted
and craft traditions, which saved the music. In the mountains, the music has remained largely unchanged, with new generations playing it.
Ecos de Borinquen
have been playing these varying styles since 1978. There's a topical lightness to the singing and playing, and although the compositions are all original, as opposed to
traditional
, there's a rich authenticity to the playing and the rhythms behind everything from these trovadores. The music comprises mostly seis and aguinaldos, which have always been the core of the rural repertoire. Excellently played, infectious, and surprisingly untainted by the modern, while still sounding contemporary (a fine paradox!), this makes for an excellent look at a great tradition. ~ Chris Nickson