Several decades ago, two groups were formed in Puerto Rico. Outwardly, they had little in common but as fate would have it they eventually discovered each other’s unique talents and became a group which is simply without parallel in both concept and execution.
Truko and Zaperoco were two separate bands that fused into one entity. Their trademark is the deliberate fusion of folklore with a progressive and danceable Latin ensemble, for which they received a 2004 Grammy Nomination for their album Musica Universal. The band has also been voted the most exciting live act in Puerto Rico, as well as receiving huge accolades from and touring with such legends as Andy Montañez and Gilberto Santa Rosa.
For two decades, Truco, led by Hector Valentin, was recognized as one of the leading ensembles in the history of Bomba y Plena, the traditional music of the Afro-Puerto Rican people. The distinguishing characteristic of Plena is the battery of three handheld drums which loosely resemble the tambourine in design. Each drum is pitched differently and played by a different member, the ensemble effect is stunning when left in the hands of men like the Maysonet Bros. who are the core of the Truco ensemble. The other distinguishing element are the group harmonies that these men engage in while playing these complex rhythmic passages. Bomba y Plena is in general music of celebration and this spirit of alegria (happiness) informs every note that is played by this inspired organization and its humorous and profound leader, Hector Valentin.
Zaperoko was formed in the early 1980s when a trombonist named Edwin Feliciano visited Cuba to perform with a leading salsa orchestra of the time. The effect of hearing a relatively new rhythm called Songo, pioneered by Juan Formell and his groundbreaking ensemble Los Van Van, sent the impressionable young musician racing back to his home in Puerto Rico to explore some of the ideas that had been already forming in his mind. The outcome of this meditation resulted in a group called Zaperoko and a debut album released by Montuno Records in 1983 called Cosa De Locos. Produced by Rene López, one of the most admired men in the history of Latin music, this album helped pioneer the genre which today is called World Music.
These two groups -among the greatest in any genre- come together every few years to record an album and present a very few special live concerts, where music fans are treated to one of the best fusions of folkloric and dance music in the world today.
Discography:
Fusión Caribeña (Ryko Latino, 1999)
Musica Universal (Libertad Records 2003)
En Plena Rumba (Lujuria Music, 2008)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.