Atabal's 'Remenéate' fills the heart of an Afro-Caribbean soul

Atabal is a Puerto Rican Bomba Fusion band that was founded by Héctor Rodríguez "Atabal" in 1983. It was a different world then.

The group comes from Tras Talleres, Santurce (Behind the Workshops), a neighborhood of machine shops that had workshops for the trains that once circled the island. Today Tras Talleres is known for Calle Cerra, the mural art district of Santurce which is becoming a popular bar area.

Tras Talleres is also the birthplace of Puerto Rican salsa legend Andy Montánez "El Niño de Trastalleres" (Gran Combo). Montañez contributed to some of Atabal's early recordings and still steps in from time to time. You can meet him on the street in Santurce.

What started as a more traditional Bomba percussion and vocal quartet has turned into a big band with the sounds of Puerto Rican Jíbara music, American jazz, Jamaican dancehall and even Colombian vallenato of the Andes. It all fits together beautifully because it's all Caribbean music. Even though we speak different languages ​​and have different histories, we all understand the drum.

As a Puerto Rican, Atabal's music and videos fill my heart and overflow with pride and joy. They make me want to be with our people because the African drum says: “people come together in peace”. The drum is not just rhythm. We gather around her as an expression of family, faith, community and love. You can never get enough.

Like all bands that have been popular for so long, Atabal is now led by a new generation, Atabal's son, vocalist Caymmi Rodríguez with producer David Marrero of OxLab who has his hand in many projects interesting. The change of generation does not diminish the group. Caymmi began studying music while in the womb. That's how it goes. Baby musicians sing and dance before they can walk. (We spoke with mom).

Music changes a bit as it should, because life changes. There are more urban influences now, but the core is the best of our Afro-Caribbean traditions. The drum call never changes, and the llamada (the call) is like lightning in your heart. Once it hits, you are changed forever.

Released on La Noche de San Juan, Thursday, June 23, 2022.