Search - Irene Farrera & Venezuela Viva :: Serenata

Irene Farrera, a voice of hope from Venezuela

D. Pawl | Seattle | 06/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the wake of the controversy of Chavez, the social unrest and the political oppression of Venezuela we forget the other significant aspects of the culture. Specifically, the beautiful gaitas, serenatas (serenades), llaneras and other traditional folk music. Irene Farrera, a resident of Eugene, Oregon, performed at the Northwest Folklife Festival last year and that was my first exposure to her and her music. Since I was raised in Seattle and had no exposure to the culture of my father I jumped at the chance to see her. I have to say, I was deeply moved. She performed many of the songs off of this album and absolutely transfixed the audience with her deep voice and soulful renditions of traditional Venezuelan songs."La Bella del Tamunague" (The Beautiful Woman of the Tamanague)kicks this album off on a wonderfully rhythmic note. You immediately feel the heartbeat of the music, almost like she is in the same room singing directly to you. Some of the other songs I would like to highlight are "Serenata," the title cut which is absolutely luscious, "El Brujo de la Sabana (The Witch of the Savanna)," a lively joropo with upbeat maracas, and "Sabana--Tonada de Luna Llena (Savanna--Songs for the Full Moon)," a beautiful serenade that closes the album.If anything, these songs are a great cross section of authentic Venezuelan sounds. Those of you who have never heard Venezuelan music will be enchanted, and those who are familiar with it will recognize these popular tunes."