Beto Jamaica – Rey de Mi Folclor Vallenato y Cumbia Colombiana (OM Producciones Music, 2020)
Alberto Jamaica Larrota, better known as Beto Jamaica, is one of the great accordion players of Colombia. He specializes in a very popular folk music tradition called vallenato that has crossed over into the mainstream in Colombia. Beto also plays cumbia, the seductive slow paced dance rhythm that was born in Colombia as well.
Every year, the best accordion players participate in the Leyenda Vallenata festival in Valledupar, northern Colombia. Beto’s dream was to win the competition and tried a few times until 2006, when he won the competition and was a crowned rey vallenato (vallenato king). He was the first player from the interior of Colombia that won the award.
Rey de Mi Folclor Vallenato y Cumbia Colombiana features fiery accordion performances played by Beto and irresistible rhythms performed by his talented band, combining traditional instruments such as the guacharaca (a scraper played with a metal “fork”) and caja vallenata (small drum) with modern elements such as electric bass, congas and timbales.
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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.