Alt.Latino: Celebrating Accordions! | All Songs Considered
Listening to the music of Latin America and the Caribbean invites you to explore the rich tapestry of history woven through sound. Each rhythm resonates with the diverse influences that shape this vibrant region. The varied drums and percussion instruments reflect the profound heritage brought from Africa, while the guitar introduced by Spanish colonizers inspired a beautiful array of stringed instruments, including the cuatro from Venezuela and Puerto Rico, and the Cuban tres.
The melodies also echo the legacy of Eastern European immigration, as the accordion found a loving place in the hearts of countries like Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and beyond. This week, we gently delve into these cherished traditions, guided by Eduardo Díaz, who formerly directed Latino cultural information for the Smithsonian Institution. It’s a delightful journey; you may find yourself learning and feeling uplifted along the way.
Featured artists and songs:
- Narciso Martínez, “Nix”
- Carlos Vives, “Hijo de Vallenato”
- Los Corraleros de Majagual, “La Pollera Colorada”
- Luis Gonzaga, “Asa Branca”
- Grupo Alma Serrana, “Puerto Tirol”
- Francisco Ulloa, “El Farolito”
- Tatico Henriquez, “La Invasión de Deiziseis”
Credits
The audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was lovingly edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Our project manager is Grace Chung, ensuring a smooth and peaceful experience. NPR Music’s executive producer is Suraya Mohamed, with Keith Jenkins as our VP of Music and Visuals, nurturing creativity and connection through sound.
