The concert was sold out by showtime. Puerto Plata and Joan Soriano pulled in a packed house for their Dallas performance at the Latino Cultural Center. Concert-goers were given a glimpse into the guitar-based music of the Dominican Republic that has spanned more than fifty years, and which thrives today in America despite a history riddled with obstacles. Spectators were shown how the perseverance of early bachata pioneers like Jose Cobles and Edilio Paredes paved the way for the Sorianos of today.
Puerto Plata is a bit of a ladies man. He likes to flirt. He frequently sings for the waitresses at his favorite restaurants in his now-hometown of Denver, Colorado. He even serenaded Maria Munoz-Blanco, Dallas’ director of Cultural Affairs and acting general manager of the Latino Cultural Center, having made her swoon promptly upon introduction. During his performance he wore the loveliest of impish gleams in his eyes that made you want to know just what they eyes of Puerto Plata have witnessed along his incredible journey. Jose Cobles fostered his talent amidst a repressive reign that forced bachata music underground until the death of dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1961. That his music has survived the time and the trials of a stigmatized genre is a testament to this artist. He's charming, he's a good dancer, he’s a joy to listen to and watch. He's also perpetuating the preservation of the roots of bachata. View his biography and albums, Mujer de Cabaret and Casita de Campo on record label iASO Records' website.
Joan Soriano fashioned his first guitar out of a tin can and fishing line. It's a good thing he did. Had he not been so resourceful at the time, he might never have discovered the artistry stirring inside of him. The ingenuity that revealed itself with his creation led to the organization of a band with his younger brothers and sisters, a few of whom shared the stage with big brother at the Dallas concert. Joan stepped aside during his set and handed the microphone over to brother Fernando, who plays rhythm guitar, and sister Griselda, who is both vocalist and dancer for the bachatero. The Soriano family proved themselves a force to be reckoned with among bachata stars of today. The music, a nod to the bachata of yore, is authentic, heartfelt and passionate. Soriano delivered soulful vocals and was truly stunning on the guitar. Thank goodness for tin cans and fishing line, no? Read more about Joan Soriano and his first international album, El Duque de la Bachata, here.
In addition to Fernando and Griselda Soriano, Joan was joined by his brother-in-law, Julian Pacheco on bass guitar and Roberto Santos on the guira. Raul Bier played the bongos, and Raul Bier playing bongos is a beautiful thing. He was a protégé of Joan’s in his early days, and today he’s one of bachata’s top percussionists. He can be heard playing with hit artists Monchy y Alexandra, Aventura and Prince Royce. Edilio Paredes, also known for being one of bachata’s trailblazers, rounds off the all-star cast of “The Roots of Bachata.” He made a perfectly fitting addition to the group and ended the show with a “merengue tipico,” which is distinguished by the accordion. There were patrons glued to their seats, so engrossed by the performances. Then there were the movers and shakers. The dance floor was rendered useless as dancers were packed like sardines and forced into the aisles, almost as if possessed by the compelling rhythm.
The Latino Cultural Center put on a fantastic show and iASO Records brought incredible talent to the City of Dallas. But don’t just take it from me. Here’s what attendee Audrey Richard had to say about the event:
The concert was amazing! The setting was very intimate, yet fun and energetic. Joan Soriano and his group really know how to jam, inviting everyone to get up and dance! It was hard to sit still in your chair and not get up to dance. It was a great pleasure to experience this group in concert here in Dallas.
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