Title of piece: “Fuego de Cumbia” (Cumbia Fire)

Date of composition: 2003

Date of recordings: 2003 in New York City; released 2006. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings 40531.

Composer/Lyricist: Rafael Pérez García

Performer/Instruments: Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto: Fredys Arrieta, gaita hembra; Joaquín Nicolás Hernández, gaita macho; Rafael Castro, voice; Gabriel Torregrosa, tambor alegre; Rafael Rodríguez, tambor llamador; Joche Plata, tambora (drum); chorus.

Form: cumbia

Tempo: moderate

What to Listen for:

  • Two gaita flutes intertwine to create harmony, counterpoint, or unison melodies
  • Note the breathy, thin timbre of gaitas, and the notes/scales they play, not exactly in Western tunings
  • Call-and-response vocals
  • Frequent improvisation on the drums, especially during break
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