Modesto Cepeda De La Bomba Al Bolero

Latin Beat Magazine, Nov, 2003 by Rudy Mangual

(M.C. Bombazo Music Disco)

Modesto Cepeda, the leading exponent of the traditional rhythms of the island of Puerto Rico (bomba and plena) continues a family legacy on this disc that his father Rafael Cepeda founded many years ago. For over 25 years, Modesto and his family have kept the tradition alive, performing and educating children and adults alike on the cultural music and dances of Puerto Rico. This recording of 14 selections, aside from delivering bombas and plenas, features two boleros--a genre that has been cultivated in Puerto Rico shortly after its birth in Cuba--Sin Un Amor, composed by Alfredo Gil and Chucho Navarro, and ¿Porqué Ahora? by Bobby Capó. Cepeda also covers the nueva trova composition Déjalo Salir from singer/composer Antonio Cabán Vale, alias "El Topo." Another treat is the selection A La Sombra De Un Niño (a bombazo-samba flamenca). 0ther choice tracks are Pide, Que Hay (bomba-melaza from Modesto Cepeda) and Corazón No Llores (plena from Rafael Cepeda). Guitarist Máximo Torres heads the musical direction of the production, with arrangements by Máximo and Carlos Torres (bass player). Modesto oversees the percussion direction and arrangements, and leads the vocals with the aid of Brenda Cepeda, Sammy Ayala, Max Torres and José "Chegüi" Ramos. Proceeds from the sale of this CD will benefit the building of "La Escuela de Bomba y Plena Rafael Cepeda Atiles," a new and permanent school facility dedicated to preserving the culture and folklore of Puerto Rico.