The sound of the Caribbean would not be the same without the uplifting dance beat of the Merengue. Merengue is a Dominican dance that may have originally developed in Puerto Rico, but with conflicting claims of its origin and, historians are unsure of which Caribbean nation can truly claim the development of the Merengue. However, the origin of this unique dance and rhythm is less important than its ability to get people up and dancing.

Merengue music gets its unique sound from the combination of several instruments including congas, guiras, accordions and especially Tambora drums. Tambora drums are large, two-headed drums that are played with the hands, sticks or a combination of both. This drum provides the driving rhythm of Merengue music, settling strongly into the background with its clear, deep tones. Tambora drums are thought to have originated similarly to Cajon drums; slaves brought to Caribbean and Latin American countries repurposed ordinary objects into drums. In the case of Tambora drums, it is thought that rum barrels were used to create these drums, adding an extra level of fun and interest to these percussion instruments. Using goat skins and ropes made from grass, each head of the drum was attached to the shell, ultimately providing a means of celebration, communication and music for the combined cultures of Africa, Europe Latin America and the Caribbean inhabiting the Dominican Republic.

Merengue music has a syncopated, “call and response” feel to it that is credited to the Tambora drum and accompanying instruments like the accordion. Some Merengue enthusiasts also include the marimba or saxophone in the overall musical experience of the Merengue and its melodic qualities.

Tambora drums are a unique and historical part of the music of the Caribbean and Merengue music. These drums hold the joy and struggle of unique cultures the combined together and created a dynamic blend of African and Caribbean sound. A true celebratory genre of music, the history of Merengue music is rivaled only by the popularity of its musical spin-off, Salsa.

Labels: Caribbean, Dominican, Latin America, Tambora

Storytelling through music has been a vital aspect of music throughout the world. Pairing historical feats, struggles and triumphs with drums, instruments and vocals fuses together a broad and dynamic picture of a culture. These types of folk music affirm ties among populations and produce an artistic product that beats with the heart of its people. The streets of Puerto Rico are paved with such historical artistry, where stories and music are passed from generation to generation through Plena music.

Developed from Bomba music, Plena has been called the “singing newspaper” or “newspaper of the people” of Puerto Rico. It is folk music in its most influential form, providing the people of Puerto Rico with narrations of local and world events and entertaining political commentary. Plena music is based on one rhythm and may even feature “call and response” dialogue among its players and the audience. It unites and entertains, informing and satirizing all at the same time while drawing an audience together in song and dance.

Plena music has a large focus on drums and percussion. Plenera drums, frame drums that resemble tambourines, are vital to Plena music, providing three harmonious, rhythmic tones to the music. Unlike the tambourine, Planera drums are not accented with metal jingles. Instead, the guiro is used to accent the three-piece Plenera drum set. Planera drums are also known as panderos or panderetas, and each drum has its own name: the Requinto, the smallest of the drums, the Segundo, and the Seguidor, the largest. Other instruments provide harmony and melody, including the cuatro and various brass instruments.

The music of Puerto Rico is its own artistic oasis of phenomenal rhythms, harmonies and lyrics. Culturally influenced by Latin America, Europe and Africa, much of the music attributed to Puerto Rico is rooted in the rhythms and styles of genres such as Bomba, Danza or modern Salsa. Each genre has a story to tell through its evolution, and continues to tell these stories as modern music styles and instruments enhance the historical beats and tunes that flavor Puerto Rico’s music landscape.

Labels: Drums, frame drum, History, Latin America, planera, Rhythm

Simple in design and found in ancient cultures across the world, frame drums are humble instruments used today in mystical circles, drumming events and performances. These types of drums have roots in spiritual and religious ceremonies and were thought to have originated in the Middle East and India. Through the spread of Islamic culture, frame drums were introduced to medieval Europe and later brought to the Americas.

Typical frame drums are circular, but square or rectangular styles can be seen in Asian regions. The wood of a circular frame drum is bent to form a circle and glued. For most frame drums, animal skin is affixed over the edge of the frame and attached. Frame drums can be played with the hand or mallets. Some frame drums are tunable, while others may have metal rings or jingles attached to enhance the sound of the drumming or shaken to produce a bell-like sound. Others, such as the rain drum, are covered entirely by animal skin and feature beads or small objects inside that mimic the sound of rain and storms when struck.

Popular frame drums include the Irish Bodran, heard in Celtic music and a favorite instrument at Middle Ages and Renaissance recreation events. Some historians believe the Bodran was the evolution of a storage tray in Ireland, while others see this frame drum as a smaller version of a Celtic war drum used in battles.

Planera drums are also known as the “sung newspaper” in Puerto Rico. Used to accompany street performers, the Planera are best known for their presence in Plena, the folkloric music of Puerto Rico.

Bendir drums come from North Africa and are important to the culture and religious ceremonies of the Sufi. Bendir drums features snares that accentuate the beat and are played vertically, suspended by the hand through holes within the frame.

Deff, or Daf drums are associated with the Middle East, including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt. Deff drums can be plain or feature small jingles or rings and are played by shaking the frame or hitting the drum head.

Muzhar or Mazhar frame drums are large, tambourine-like instruments from Persia that are feature large cymbals and are played by shaking and striking the head of the drum.

While simple in design, frame drums can produce some of the most interesting and varied sounds in music. Whether by hand, mallet, stick or by shaking, frame drums bring an ancestral aspect to all music.

Labels: bendir, bodran, deff, frame drum, muzhar, planera

The basics of a good song are standard throughout musical genres. A beat and a melody are needed to get across the emotion, feel or inspiration rooted within the music. Additional sounds, harmonies and tones complement the cultural feel and musical style of songs, whether regional or based on a favorite genre of music. The rhythmic and melodic tones of percussion instruments help create these overtones though the simple nature and construction of the instruments themselves.

Chimes have been noted in many cultures across the world. These instruments, often found hanging from porches or in gardens, are typically made from metal tubes or hollow wooden cylinders, although some may be made from bone or plastic. Chimes add high pitch accents and bird-like tones to songs and can be heard in all genres of music.

Didgeridoos are hollow, wooden instruments from Australia. These instruments require a special breathing technique called “circular breathing” in order to produce a seamless, low tone “hum” with varying amounts of vibrato. Didgeridoos are frequently found in world music but have also become a valuable instrument in modern trance and techno music.

Gongs are an important part of the history and culture of Asia. These bronze instruments have a special place in the spiritual lives of those in China, Japan and South Asia and were used to communicate over long distances. Gongs represent status and success and are revered by many Asian cultures for their music and artistry.

Jingle Sticks are the evolution of the tambourine, especially popular in educational and therapeutic settings where small hands or those with limited mobility can play along to music and rhythms. These wood or plastic sticks are adorned with metal jingles and can be shaken, used to play cymbals, drums or other percussion instruments. Some jingle sticks even have a guiro-style edge that can be played with a stick.

Rain Sticks are found in various cultures in Central America, South America and Africa. These percussion instruments are made from hollow wood, bamboo or cactus with spikes or thorns pressed through from the outside. Rain sticks are filled with grain, pebbles, seeds or other small materials the flow over the thorns or spikes and create a rain-like sound.

Tongue Drums are idiophones found in African and Asian and South American countries. These instruments are similar to a xylophone in tone and method of play, but are constructed completely out of a solid wooden structure.

Triangles are metal percussion instruments that can be found dating back to the 14th century. Far from a one-note instrument, the triangle can produce a select range of tones that enhance different genres of music, but can also be found as a solo instrument, as in Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major.

Whistles add a curious accent to upbeat songs, especially in Samba, Celtic or House music. The penetrating beat of a whistle motivates the song, empowering it with a unique sound that brings the dancers out on the floor.

By adding these accent instruments into to a song or composition, the music becomes a polyphonic masterpiece with ties to the cultures from which it developed. Percussion is more than drums, it is the base and finishing touch to music across the world.

Labels: Chimes, Didgeridoo, Gong, Jingle Stick, Percussion, Rain Stick, Tongue Drum, Triangle, Whistle