Recordings capture magical moments in time - artistic interactions that existed in that instant, only to disappear. They record musical gatherings that held significance at a certain time, specific personnel combinations that resulted in mutual inspiration. They reveal insights about individual artists’ beliefs and musical priorities in that moment. They present a clear picture of each artist’s musical abilities at the time, from their technique to their musicality - it’s all there on the recording. In some cases, recordings reveal the beginnings of a musical concept that seems destined to blossom into an influential direction. Time passes and an artist’s musical direction often changes; at the very least, they move onto other projects. The groupings found on the recordings are dissolved, leaving us with only the memories imprinted upon the recordings.

Years later, reunions present an interesting proposition that will alter our memories of the album for the better or worse. In some cases, artists build upon those original statements, presenting performances that show maturity and development. They maintain a connection to their original concept while applying the musical lessons that they have experienced. These types of performances do more than just feed our curiosities, they serve as another chapter in the group’s ongoing story. Other times, artists simply revisit the repertoire with the same people, but their musical identity has grown apart from the original experience. The performance seems like an exercise that revisits an outdated artistic approach without any passion or soul. These performances create a charming familiarity, but their lack of depth often leave us disappointed and disenchanted with the artists. Either way, we leave the performance with a distinctly different opinion of the group, and our memories about the original recordings have changed forever.

Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino created two legendary albums, Concepts in Unity and Lo Dice Todo, only to disappear until several recent reunion performances. The original members continued to work together and actually formed several influential projects, including Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band as well as Libre. Their experiences throughout the years varied, but Grupo Folklorico held onto the one element that separates their music from their peers - the desire to explore their cultural roots through a variety of new and challenging perspectives. It inspired their time together and for many of the Grupo’s members, it defined the majority of their careers. The musicians kept their original concept in tact and brought years of practical experience into their performance - returning to their original formation seemed natural. Their reunion performances have brought the excitement, spontaneity, and deeply rooted sense of tradition to a new generation, cementing their important place in the history of New York Latin Jazz.

The videos below allow us all to peek into the influential recent gatherings of Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino. The first two clips are from the group’s November 1st, 2008 performance at Hostos College in New York. The last clip comes from the group’s 2007 reunion in Berlin and it includes some interviews as well. Take a look at the next chapter in the history of Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino, one that will hopefully begat more quality reunions for this outstanding band.

Grupo Folklorico at Hostos College - Perdon

Grupo Folklorico at Hostos College - La Vida Es Un Sueño

Grupo Folklorico in Berlin & interview with Rene Lopez

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Check Out These Related Posts:
Revisiting Latin Jazz Classics: Paunetto’s Point, Bobby Vince Paunetto
The Band That Got Away - Irakere On Video
Mario Rivera - The True Multi-Instrumentalist

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