Plena Is Alive and Well in Puerto Rico Thanks to La Máquina Insular
15 June, 2016We’re really excited about what Vampisoul have got in store. After showcasing classic bomba and plena recordings in their ¡SAOCO! compilations and one-offs like their collection of Cortijo‘s recordings, the label have switched their ears to the current scene in Puerto Rico.
Kicking off what should be a new series of contemporary plena and bomba recordings is this 7″ featuring La Máquina Insular, an offshoot of the Viento de Agua orchestra. The group have been around in Santurce, San Juan for well over a decade, keeping alive the golden traditions of the 50s and 60s.
La Máquina Insular are led by requinto master Hector “Tito” Matos and use traditional acoustic instruments such as panderetas, güiros, tumbanderos and clarinets for a real authentic dose of plena.
Featuring two tracks, “Somos La Plena” and “Ven A Bailar” this 7″ is a great way to hear the classic dance band sounds of Puerto Rico alive and well. The record is available from munster-records.com/en/label/vampisoul/product/somos-la-plena.
Listen to a teaser of “Somos La Plena” below:
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