Various – Music From The Dominican Republic, Vol. 2: The Island of Española

Label: Smithsonian Folkways – FW04282
Series: Music From The Dominican Republic – Vol. 2
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: Latin, Folk, World, & Country

Mid 70's Folkways publication focusing on the Island of Espanola in Dominican Republic.  (NM/VG+ - with booklet)

In the Dominican Republic, syncretism between African traditions and Catholicism often manifests itself in songs and rituals. On this album "Sarandunga," a celebration that honors St. John the Baptist, offers an excellent example. Another selection, “Guay, guay, guay,” features melismatic singing and polyrhythmic percussion created by palos drums (a cylindrical drum of African origin). "Morena Linda (Beautiful Black Woman)" and "Caminan las Nubes (The Clouds Are Moving)" feature strummed guitar, maracas, and call-and-response between male and female vocalists. Liner notes include a brief overview of the history of the Dominican Republic, track notes, and pictures of the palos drums.

Tracklist
1 Ernesto Marine, Armando Perez (5), Ventura Guerrero, Santiago Guerrero (4)– Los Chuines 9:43
2 Amancía Perez– Sarandunga 8:20
3 Tomás Aguino de León & Maria Isabel Trinidad– Morena Linda 4:04
4 Tomás Aguino de León & Maria Isabel Trinidad– Caminan Las Nubes 3:36
5 Tomás Aguino de León & Maria Isabel Trinidad– Instrumental 1:48
6 Elvira Diaz– Guay, Guay, Guay (Tonada) 2:55
7 Elvira Diaz– El Tobaco (Tonada) 3:28
8 Elvira Diaz– Tonada 3:28
9 Elvira Diaz– Salves 2:15