I often like to bring back CDs of local music from the places I visit. I have begun to collect a number of Bachata CDs from the DR. One will hear various types of music throughout the DR (Merengue, Salsa, American Rock), but for me the sound that takes me there in a few seconds is Bachata. I offer this overview for those who might be interested in picking up a CD or two to bring back home.

Bachata has it roots in the timbres of West Africa with a Caribbean flair. If you go into a music store on El Conde the breadth of selections is intimidating. For an initial sampling try one of the collections labled "Bachatahits YYYY', where YYYY is a year. If you want to go beyond that the following artists are dependably good.

Zacaraias Ferreira
Aventura
Frank Reyes
Monchy and Alexandra

que les vaya bien,
G

(Message edited by Gitano on February 28, 2004)

Gitano

Thanks for taking the time to share your musical expertise. I'm not a big bachata fan but I plan to check out the artists you mentioned.

Un gran saludo
Reytj

I love bachata! Here's another artist who is fairly easy to find on the download sites such as WinMx: Elvis Martinez. Check out his version of "Vuelve" and compare it to the usual sung by Ricky Martin. A Dominican/New York City group that is extremely popular right now, also easily found on the download sites, is Aventura. I don't consider their stuff to be as "authentic" (too much ghetto English tossed into the songs) as the home grown variety but they do have some pretty songs and their rhythm is perfect. "Cuando Volveras" and "Alexandra" are especially nice.

Aventura is mentioned frequently when I talk to others about Bachata. So far I have only listened to their "Obseción" song on the Bachatahits2003 CD. I have it on right now. The female vocalist does sit you up in your chair and as TF pointed out their ryhtm is compelling. Their "Apunto Final" CD has been recomended to me with enthusiasm.

Gitano, as I've mentioned enough times, my ex inlaws are Dominican. One time I burned a CD of bachata music and took it to one of their parties thinking it would be a hit. It bombed. Big time. Everyone immediately begin shouting over the noise of the music, "Quien puso esa musica loca?". OK, I tried. Later, my ex sister in law confessed that she liked the CD and that one of the singers is from her home town. Since then I only burn CDs for people who specifically request certain songs.