Album Notes

The Venezuelan Music Project (VMP) was founded in 1991 by musical director Jackeline Rago, to share the sounds and cultural traditions of Venezuela within the San Francisco Bay Area and the continental United States. Combining the Indigenous-Venezuelan, the West African and the Spanish-European influences, this project emerges as a dynamic ensemble full of vibrance, energy and color. As one of the only groups in the area performing Venezuelan music, it has the motivation and pleasure of presenting an engaging, entertaining, and highly memorable show.

VMP performs a wide range of music—from folklore-driven songs (executed with traditional instruments) to more contemporary urban dance compositions (complimented by the addition of the electric bass, flute, and saxophone).

Among the many genres showcased are: Calypso de
El Callao, Parrandas, Tamboreras, Sangueos, Golpes
de Tambor, Tonadas de Quitiplás, Tambor Redondo,
Gaitas, Joropo, Merengues, Fulías and spiritual chants inspired by the daily life of the Venezuelan countryside.