Dominican merengue
The five-piece band fronted by accordion master Joaquin Diaz performs merengue, the vibrant dance music of their native Dominican Republic.The form developed as an upper-class, society dance form with both African and Europeanroots during the mid-19th century, primarily in Santiago de los Caballeros, the capitol city of the Cibao region in the north of the country. It quickly gained popularity among the poorer classes, both urban and rural. In these less affluent communities, it evolved into music that provided a vehicle for social commentary as well for dancing. When Dictator Faraelo Trujillo came to power in 1930, he promoted merengue music -- with the anti-establishment commentary toned down -- as a symbol of Dominican national expression. Merengue declined in popularity when a series of economic recessions reduced the number of performing groups, but in recent years the music has experienced an explosive revival.
Today, merengue is found in two forms: a slick, pop-styled dance club variety and the more deeply-rooted folk style referred to as "merengue tradicional" or "merengue tipico." Joaquin Diaz' band performs in this latter style and features vocals, accordion, bass and three percussionists. Joaquin began his musical career at age seven as a street musician in San Domingo. At age17 he was performing at the Olympic Games and touring with Les Ballets Folkloriques of the Dominican Republic. He is widely recognized for his role in revitalizing the traditional merengue style. His driving, rhythmic sound captures the roots of the music as he composes new material within this tradition. Today, he thrills audiences with his sizzling accordion playing, and as writer Brian Lindamood noted, "Diaz adds depth and texture to Dominican folk music and traditional merengue and keeps feet dancing at a breakneck pace."
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