RecentMusic - Batacumbele New Releases

Batacumbele

Formed in Puerto Rico in the early 1980s, Batacumbele is a Latin jazz ensemble renowned for their vibrant fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz influences, embodying the cultural crosscurrents of their home territory. The band's name is inspired by an African drum, the batá, and cumbele, a word derived from cumbé, a dance and musical form from Africa. Batacumbele's inception can be attributed to a collective of master musicians and percussionists, who shared a passionate vision of showcasing the richness of Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean musical traditions, while infusing them with the improvisational elements of jazz.

The band's music is characterized by powerful brass sections, intricate rhythms, and a dynamic percussion ensemble that is at the core of their sound. Some of their most recent releases include "La Negra Tomasa," a spicy track that showcases their capacity to blend traditional Afro-Caribbean melody with jazz improvisation, and "Con un Poco de Songo," which integrates the songo rhythm, hinting at the group's versatility in navigating diverse Afro-Cuban styles. Their album "En Aquellos Tiempos" serves as a nostalgic homage to the roots of Caribbean musical heritage, while "Afro Caribean Jazz" perfectly captures the essence of their genre-blending prowess. The live recording "In Concert at the University of Puerto Rico" is a testament to Batacumbele's electrifying live performances, which have captivated audiences across the Americas and contributed to the band's legacy as purveyors of the Afro-Caribbean jazz movement.

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