Merengue Tipico from the Dominican Republic in Bloomington, MN

La India Canela
is the stage name of accordionist
Lidia Maria Hernandez Lopez
, whose blistering runs on the instrument have made her the perfect
merengue
bandleader, and this vigorous and vital 13-song set from
Smithsonian/Folkways
is further testament to her talent and skill. Leading a band that includes
Rodolfo Oscar Delarosa Arias
(tambora),
Alfonso Gonzalez Perdomo
(bass),
Ramon Eladio Jiminez
(guira),
Felix Ulloa Valdez
(saxophone),
Juan Cruz
(vocals),
Felix Cabrera
(congas),
Ramon Andujar
Luis Reyes Batista
(saxophone), and vocalist
Paul Roman
(who also arranged most of the selections here and co-produced the album with
Sydney Hutchinson
),
La India
shines on these traditional-styled tipico romps, most of which are taken at break-neck speed. Tipico
differs from the better known
big band
("merengue de orquesta") style by having less reliance on horns, increased percussion, and by pushing the diatonic button accordion to the forefront. Tipico also uses improvisation as a key component, while the
big-band
variety relies more on set charts and arrangements as a matter of necessity. That improvisational quality is what gives the tipico tracks on this lively album their verve and spunk, and it's impossible to even think of trying to stay still while listening to these sides. Among the highlights are the rocket-fueled opener,
"Aprietame Asi,"
's signature tune from the early '90s, the African-sounding
"El Rancho,"
a
original that makes use of palos drums, and the instrumental
"Las Siete Pasadas,"
which turns into a tour de force for
, who handles the seven separate and difficult melody themes with a speed and ease that is truly astounding. Filled with joy, passion, and enough energy to put a rocket on the moon,
Merengue Tipico from the Dominican Republic
is a pure delight from start to finish. ~ Steve Leggett