Palenque Son Karibe was founded in Caracas by a group of Colombians and Venezuelans. This is their first CD. The Colombian contribution to Venezuelan reality is very strong: millions of Colombians have migrated over the border to the east. Sahú, director and soul of the band, was one of these. His parents migrated from the famous maroon community of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free black town in the Americas, with its rich African-derived traditions.

Both Venezuela and Colombia are full of rich musical traditions, with their specific characteristics, but also with deep affinities that unite them through history. It is one of the merits of this record that it eloquently revives this poorly known common heritage, in which the obscured black substratum of society reclaims its presence, and its solidarity across borders.

Demonstrating this affinity between Afro-Colombian and Afro-Venezuelan music, the album features the Machado sisters—Nereida and Betsayda, ‘The Black Pearls of Barlovento’—on vocals. They honed their talents in various musical settings, from village fiestas in their native Barlovento, to the clubs of high society in metropolitan Caracas. Betsayda now is one of the most sought-after voices in Venezuela, performing with national mega-stars like Un Solo Pueblo, Grupo Vera, and Vasallos del Sol.

Apart from an Afro-Venezuelan contribution to this album, there is also a potpourri of themes composed by Luis Alfonzo Larrain, nostalgic latin-pop songs with a 1960s feel. Co-producers Federico Pacanins—jazz connoisseur, producer and co-director of the Institute of Urban Culture— and Roberto Obeso—art lover and jazz promotor—contributed a subtle jazz vibe to this record, hinting at new directions this Afro-oriented roots music might take.

Although Sahú and his companions shy away from pretensions, this production is an eye-opener to the hidden history of the region.

Tracklist

1. Herencia-Chichimaní
2. La Sombra Negra
3. Cantamé Totó
4. Dos de febrero
5. Leji'o de Luna
6. Mira las Horas
7. Caderona
8. El Piano de Dolores
9. ¿Cómo Fué?
10. Las Canciones de Luis Alfonzo Larrain
    
    • Al Calor de Tus Besos
    • Amandonos
    • Sé Que Me Quieres
    • Dime Adiós
11. De Mieles y Rocios
12. Te Olvidé
13. Seremillán
14. Prende la Vela
15. El Diablo Suelto
16. La Tintorera
17. Cantares de Navidad