MUSIC: Bomba

So, the other day on NPR, I heard this group I wanted to tell you guys about: ¡Bomba!. They describe themselves this way:

"Latin/World group ¡Bomba! is led by three artists of contrasting cultural and musical backgrounds- drummer Mario Allende originally from Chile, bassist Rubim de Toledo of Brazilian descent, and keyboardist Chris Andrew from Vancouver Island. Taking different routes to the same destination, they landed in Edmonton, Canada and banded together to share one vision. These three are a new generation of musicians well schooled in traditional Latin music forms from timba to rumba, to son, salsa, songo, as well as North American popular music and jazz."

While I was checking them out on the Web, I found out that there's a whole style of music and dance called Bomba. Maybe you've already heard of it, but it was new to me. Bomba is a vibrant style that originated in Puerto Rico as a spiritual release for sugar plantation slaves and their descendants. Here's how National Geographic World Music describes the genre:

"Traditionally bomba is danced by a mixed couple who take turns showing off their skills, competing with each other and with the drummer. The dancers proceed in pairs and without contact. The excitement and sensual tension in the music is generated by the often improvised interactions of the singer and chorus, the drummers' rhythmic exchanges, and the suggestive "conversation" between the highest pitched drum and the dancer. The drummer follows the movement of the dancer; dancer and drummer cajole, tease and challenge each other to what appears to be a sensual dual, which lasts as long as the dancer's stamina continues. The effect is that of an intimate visual and musical exchange between singer, drummer and dancer."