The Songs
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AL PASO (Guaracha-Plena)
Al Paso is about the rhythmic marriage between Plena and the genres of Puerto Rican music that have colored our stories and narratives. The syncopations and musical call-and-response heard in the song resemble the swaying and movement of our Caribbean people. How could we not want to walk together when every step and footprint is accompanied by the waves of the sea, the breezes of our palm trees, the smiles that greet us with a “Good morning” and good cup of coffee?
CONSEJO A LAS MUJERES (Son-Plena)
Consejo a las Mujeres dares to offer wisdom to women…who often are more the wiser.
DESDE QUE TE VI, LUZ (Plena Sutil)
Desde que te vi, Luz is dedicated to Luci, Luz Celenia Rivera, the life partner of Juango. It was Luz who inspired the formation of Los Pleneros de la 21. For over four decades, she has supported the home, the family, and the visionary and at times recklessly bold ideas that allowed our dreams of Bomba and Plena to flourish. Without her, there is no music from La 21…
DILE A LALÁN (Guaracha-Plena)
ESA DOMINÉ (Bomba Paulé)
NO LO LLORES VERA (Danza-Plena)
No Lo Llores Vera is for the great Roberto Clemente, whose light showcased both athletic talent and the deep heart that lives within Boricuas, and whose light, which emanated the great athletic talent and benevolence that lives within Boricuas, was extinguished far too soon and suddenly. This Plena attempts to embrace Vera Zabala, who found herself without a husband in the early hours of January 1, 1973. Her tears, along with the sorrow of a nation, give way to this song, which carries messages of solidarity, pride, and the duty to continue the mission of a national Hero.
OLA DE LA MAR (Plena)
Ola de la Mar is about the fraternal love for our great Héctor René “Tito” Matos Otero. Many who follow Plena have heard this song played in every corner and stage where panderos are found. Through his singular interpretation of the song, Tito ascended Ola de la Mar to global platforms. It has been part of Los Pleneros de la 21’’s repertoire for decades. When it came time to record this version, there was no doubt about who should interpret it. No one knew it would be the last vocal recording our brother would leave behind. He poured everything into this recording—his voice illustrates his unwavering dedication to culture, Plena, and his people. Thank you for such a great gift, Tito. Through your singing, the waves of La Plena endure.
QUIÉREME DOLORES (Plena Sutil)
Quiéreme Dolores — for the Boricua woman — a unique Caribbean Flower, a force to reckon for her equal measures of beauty and unbound courage and strength.
RULÉ CANDELA (Traditional Bomba, Rulé de Loíza)
YO SOY LA PLENA (Plena)
Yo Soy La Plena is for none other than the great José “Joseito” Rivera… singer, requintero, and an original plenero of La 21. Those who have shared a stage and plenazos with Joseito know that he carries a treasure chest of knowledge, talent, and Plena memories, from the alleyways of Shangai to the four corners of Brook Avenue in the Bronx. His unmistakable call on the mic—“Yautía, malanga, yuca y plátano”—is a prelude to the rhythm and groove soon to pour from his mouth in inspired verses. To know Joseito is to know what Plena truly is.
