Watch Ecos de Borinquen perform “El Alma de Puerto Rico" (The Soul of Puerto Rico) and recall his first contact, upbringing, and pride associated with Puerto Rican music.

On October 21, Smithsonian Folkways released "El Alma de Puerto Rico: A Jíbaro Tradition" by Ecos de Borinquen, the 46th installment of the label's “Tradiciones” Latino music series of new albums that showcase the diverse musical heritage of the more than 50 million Latinos living in the USA. For the past 35 years, the GRAMMY and Latin Grammy–winning ensemble Ecos de Borinquen has captured the heart and soul of jíbaro creole folk traditions; with their distinctive, soulful sounds and progressive instrumentation, the group represents a unique balance between tradition and innovation.