It’s hard to imagine
why the genre represented on this CD would once have rankled the
dictator of the Dominican Republic, but art, entertainment and politics
can make uncomfortable partners in the best of circumstances. Bachata
was the guitar-powered music of the Dominican underclass, akin to blues
and tango, but with a gorgeously melodic sound tempered by the
simplicity of the performances and straightforward, expressive vocals. Bachata Roja collects
rare tracks originally released on tiny indie labels from the 1960s
through the ’80s. The language was a slangy local Spanish; as time went
on, electric guitars were added, but did little to alter the overall
sound.
*/?>
