Puerto Rican Music in Hawaii

by Various Artists

Liner Note Author: Ted Sol¡s.

Directors: Richard Kurin; Anthony Seeger.

Photographers: Ted Sol¡s; Charlie Figueroa.

This Smithsonian/Folkways release presents 16 excerpts of kachi-kachi, a variation of Puerto Rican dance music found in Hawaii. Field recordings collected by Ted Solis in 1985 are included and feature examples of the plena, danza, seis, and vals, among other types of song and dance forms. Recorded informally at bars, parties, churches, and other traditional gatherings, the tracks feature varied instrumentation, from traditional conjunto trios (featuring six-string Spanish guitar, cuatro, and guiro) to modern ensembles (featuring the accordion as well as electric and percussive instruments). Lyrics and translations are provided, along with detailed song-by-song descriptions. ~ Jeff Schwachter