Merengue Tipico from the Dominican Republic

by La India Canela

Overview

La India Canela is the stage name of accordionist Lidia Maria Hernandez Lopez, whose blistering runs on the instrument have made her the perfect merengue bandleader, and this vigorous and vital 13-song set from Smithsonian/Folkways is further testament to her talent and skill. Leading a band that includes Rodolfo Oscar Delarosa Arias (tambora), Alfonso Gonzalez Perdomo (bass), Ramon Eladio Jiminez (guira), Felix Ulloa Valdez (saxophone), Juan Cruz (vocals), Felix Cabrera (congas), Ramon Andujar (tambora), Luis Reyes Batista (saxophone), and vocalist Paul Roman (who also arranged most of the selections here and co-produced the album with Sydney Hutchinson), La India shines on these traditional-styled tipico romps, most of which are taken at break-neck speed. Tipico merengue differs from the better known big band ("merengue de orquesta") style by having less reliance on horns, increased percussion, and by pushing the diatonic button accordion to the forefront. Tipico also uses improvisation as a key component, while the big-band variety relies more on set charts and arrangements as a matter of necessity. That improvisational quality is what gives the tipico tracks on this lively album their verve and spunk, and it's impossible to even think of trying to stay still while listening to these sides. Among the highlights are the rocket-fueled opener, "Aprietame Asi," La India's signature tune from the early '90s, the African-sounding "El Rancho," a La India original that makes use of palos drums, and the instrumental "Las Siete Pasadas," which turns into a tour de force for La India, who handles the seven separate and difficult melody themes with a speed and ease that is truly astounding. Filled with joy, passion, and enough energy to put a rocket on the moon, Merengue Tipico from the Dominican Republic is a pure delight from start to finish. ~ Steve Leggett

Product Details

Release Date:	03/25/2008
Label:	Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
UPC:	0093074054727
Rank:	100760

Tracks

1. Apri¿¿tame As¿¿  -  India Canela
2. Consagraci¿¿n de Cari¿¿o  -  India Canela
3. El Rancho  -  India Canela  - Huchi Lora
4. Recuerdo de Ada  -  India Canela
5. El Papujito  -  India Canela
6. La Cuesti¿¿n  -  India Canela
7. Con el Gusto Adentro  -  India Canela
8. Las Siete Pasadas  -  India Canela
9. Mangulina Medley  - Bienvenido Brens  -  India Canela
10. Chicha  -  India Canela
11. La Culebra  -  India Canela
12. Cuando Yo Me Muera  - Siano Arias  -  India Canela
13. Ca¿¿a Brava  -  India Canela

Album Credits

Performance Credits

La India Canela   Primary Artist
Luis Reyes Batista   Saxophone
Rodolfo Oscar DeLaRosa Arias   Tamboura
Ramon Eladio Jimenez   Guira
Juan Cruz   Vocals
Felix Ulloa Valdez   Saxophone
Raul Roman   Vocals
Felix Cabrera   Congas
Lidia Maria Hernandez Lopez   Accordion
Alfonso Gonzalez Perdomo   Bass

Technical Credits

Daniel Sheehy   Production Supervisor,Producer,Photography
Sydney Hutchinson   Producer,Annotation,Liner Notes,Audio Production
Huchi Lora   Composer
Jacob Love   Editorial Assistant
Mary Monseur   Production Coordination
Raul Roman   Arranger,Production Assistant
Bienvenido Brens   Composer
Charlie Pilzer   Mastering
Pete Reiniger   Mixing,Engineer,Audio Engineer
Lidia Maria Hernandez Lopez   Arranger
Bartolo Rodriguez   Assistant Engineer
Siano Arias   Composer
D.A. Sonneborn   Production Supervisor
Luis Kalaff   Arranger