Captivating and moving audiences over the course of a 24-year, 14-album career, this fine-tuned Puerto Rican-based ensemble of virtuoso musicians has only gotten better with age, as evidenced by their four recent Grammy nominations and world-wide touring schedule.
Led by founder and bassist Gary Nuñez, Plena Libre is recognized for taking the once dormant, Puerto Rican plena style of music and reclaiming it for a new generation of listeners to enjoy. The group became instantly popular in Puerto Rico, with National Geographic crediting Plena Libre among other Puerto Rican acts in “spearheading the Latin invasion of American popular music. Plena Libre features three vocalists singing in captivating three and four-part harmonies which complement the group’s danceable, Afro-Rican compositions. The group’s use of call-and-response, percussion and polyrhythms keeps each show feeling groovy and fresh.
With an aggressive, tight, yet sensitive style, which balances the traditional with the contemporary, the global and the local, Plena Libre creates a brand of music and live performance that is both profoundly Puerto Rican and universally appealing. Filtering the sounds of various Afro-Caribbean forms like merengue and cumbia, and Afro-Cuban like mambo and yes, salsa if you ask nicely through a unique set of artistic sensibilities, this versatile collection of expert performers create a celebratory spectacle and engaging sonic ecstasy. Thrilling audiences around the world, from the Fez Festival (in Morocco) to the Playboy Jazz Festival, Plena Libre is a train that just keeps picking up steam as it charges ahead in unexpected and exciting directions.
Plena Libre Members
Gary Nuñez - Music Director, Bassist and Founder
Emanuel Santana - Singer/Hand Drums
Victor Velez - Singer/Hand Drums
Luisga Nuñez - Chorus/Percussion
Rafael Falu - Requinto
Luis rivera - Singer/Percussion
El Party
Plena Libre Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Me invitaron a un party
Este fin de semana
A brillar mis zapatos voy
Y a buscar mi gavana
At first glance, Plena Libre's song "El Party" seems like a simple invitation to a weekend party. However, with deeper analysis, the lyrics reveal a more complex and layered invitation to embrace Puerto Rican culture and heritage. The song celebrates the sounds, rhythms, and traditions of Puerto Rico, encouraging listeners to put on their dancing shoes and join in the festivities. "El Party" is a call to action for Puerto Ricans, and all those who love the island, to come together, enjoy each other's company, and celebrate life.
The opening line, "me invitaron a un party," sets the stage for the rest of the song. It emphasizes the communal nature of the invitation - the singer is not going to a party, they are being invited to one. This suggests that the party is not just an event, but a shared experience. The line "a brillar mis zapatos voy" highlights the importance of dress and presentation in Puerto Rican culture. This connects to the idea of traditional plena music, which often incorporates elaborate costumes and dance routines. The final line, "y a buscar mi gavana," emphasizes the role of music in Puerto Rican life. The gavana is a traditional drum used in plena music, and its presence in the lyrics suggests that the party will be a celebration of this particular musical tradition.
Overall, "El Party" can be seen as a celebration of community, culture, and the joy of life. The party is not just an event, but an expression of the unique spirit and identity of Puerto Rico.
Line by Line Meaning
Me invitaron a un party
I received an invitation to attend a party.
Este fin de semana
It is happening this weekend.
A brillar mis zapatos voy
I am going to polish my shoes to look my best.
Y a buscar mi gavana
And to find my hat to complete my outfit.
Contributed by Alex J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.