Dominican Republic 2 / Various

In the Dominican Republic, syncretism between African traditions and Catholicism often manifests itself in songs and rituals. On this album "Sarandunga," a celebration that honors St. John the Baptist, offers an excellent example. Another selection, "Guay, guay, guay," features melismatic singing and polyrhythmic percussion created by palos drums (a cylindrical drum of African origin). "Morena Linda (Beautiful Black Woman)" and "Caminan las Nubes (The Clouds Are Moving)" feature strummed guitar, maracas, and call-and-response between male and female vocalists. Liner notes include a brief overview of the history of the Dominican Republic, track notes, and pictures of the palos drums.