“Mind of a Master”, by veteran Puerto Rican bassist and music producer Bobby Valentín, was chosen as the most outstanding album of 2018 by the National Foundation for Popular Culture, the local organism reported today.
Followed by Valentín’s album, known as “El rey del bajo”, “Mi Luz Mayor” fell, the work of veteran pianist Eddie Palmieri dedicated to his late wife, Iraida, who died four years ago.
In the third place went “The Spirit / 20 Years After his Death”, in which the sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Rafael Cepeda worked, known as the patriarch of the Puerto Rican bomb, considered the oldest autochthonous rhythm of the island.
The experimentation, reaffirmation and presence of the diaspora were three elements that marked the record production of Puerto Rico in 2018, explained the cultural entity in written statements.
Likewise, “the desire to raise the collective spirit of a country hit by two hurricanes reverberated strongly in the creation of its artists who performed work of excellence from all musical angles.”
After the first three productions, they followed “I am the tradition”, of the saxophonist Miguel Zenón; “Soy yo”, by singer-songwriter Kany García; “In good company”, by Gilberto Santa Rosa and Víctor García and Sonora Sanjuanera; and “Follow Me”.
Other records highlighted by the National Foundation for Popular Culture were the soundtrack of the documentary “Nuyorican Básket 79”; “Live from Puerto Rico”, by pianists Adlan Cruz, Stevan Micheo and Francisco Paz; “Baila conmigo”, by the group Yuba Iré, and the production “Travesías”, by the Tuna Bardos of the University of Puerto Rico.
For the selection of the 20 most outstanding productions of the year the interpretation of the artists was considered, the musical execution, the technical work, presentation, visual montage, creativity, coherence and concept.
Likewise, the strategic work carried out at the time of launching the production to the record market was highlighted.
The National Foundation for Popular Culture is a non-profit organization whose objectives are, among others, the research, study, conservation, production, promotion, exhibition and dissemination of knowledge about popular, classical and folkloric culture of Puerto Rico. (EFEUSA) .-
