Merengue Alegre

The music and dance of merengue originated in the Dominican Republic in the 19th century. Initially merengue was a rural form that was considered unsophisticated and was out of favor with the upper classes. As the result of a political decree in the 1940s, however, it was “dressed up” and became the Dominican Republic’s national dance. This collection features Dominican Joaquín Díaz on diatonic accordion and vocals playing traditional and original merengue music. “Homenaje a San Pedro” is his salute to baseball players Pedro Guerrero, Jorge Bell, and Sammy Sosa, some of the people who were born in his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris.

Track Listing

101	Vamos a Bailar Joaquín Díaz	06:20
102	Una Mañana de Abril Joaquín Díaz	04:15
103	Palo Bonito Joaquín Díaz	03:34
104	Auténtico Merengue Joaquín Díaz	04:48
105	Bachata Sentimental Joaquín Díaz	03:05
106	Caña Brava Joaquín Díaz	04:57
107	Navidad sin Mi Madre Joaquín Díaz	04:31
108	Los Ritmos Oficiales Joaquín Díaz	05:20
109	Merengue Alegre Joaquín Díaz	04:32
110	Me La Pusieron Difícil Joaquín Díaz	03:53
111	La Chiflera Joaquín Díaz	04:28
112	Las Tres Muchachas de Don Pancho Joaquín Díaz	05:20
113	Homenaje a San Pedro Joaquín Díaz	04:45