What is Vallenato Music?

The Vallenato music is a combination of Columbian and afro-European rhythms that emanates from the Caribbean villages of Valle de Upar (Valledupar) Columbia, South America, a large valley located in the most northeastern part of Columbia. It is to Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa, and other Latin music styles as the Blues have been to Rock, Pop, and Country in mainstream America over the last hundred years. Although it has been complimented with orchestras and romantic lyrics as a means to commercialize the style over the last 20 years, Vallenato will always be most appreciated when performed in its original form (Puya); Accordion, Caja, Guacharaca.
Originally considered as the music of the lower class and farmers, it is now commonly referred to as a form of popular folk music from Columbia.
A Vallenato group will consist of an accordionist playing a button diatonic accordion (usually German), a caja player ( a caja is a large single Bongo drum made of hollow wood and goat skin), and a guacharaca player ( a guacharaca is a piece of Ribbed sugar cane or bamboo that is scraped with a fork). Commercially, a Vallenato group may also include one or more singers, a drummer and/or conga player, a guitarist, a bassist, and keyboards.
There are four types or rhythm styles of Vallenato music; Puya, Merengue, Son, and Paseo. Paseo (normally in 2/4 time) is the most popular from a commercial standpoint and is the form most likely to be heard on the radio. It is normally a slow or moderate romantic love song performed by a modern day group complimented with an accordion. Son (also in 2/4 time) is also relatively slow and sometimes mournful, but is accordion driven and often performed solo. Many of the most popular Vallenato songs were originally written and performed in this form before being transposed into the Paseo style in the last 30 years. Many of these songs were written by Fransisco “Pacho” Rada (who originated this form) and other Vallenato pioneers. Merengue (usually 6/8 time) is the most entertaining and festive for party goers due to its relation (distant cousin) to Dominican Merengue. It is the most narrative form of Vallenato music. Puya (also 6/8 time) is relatively close to merengue but less narrative and will usually feature solos by each of the three instruments. This is the oldest form of Vallenato having roots in ancient Indian dance and folklore. Its timing is close to that of merengue except in recent years the musicians seem to be playing it faster and faster. The Puya performances at the annual Vallenato Festival held in Valledupar Columbia every year since 1968 is easily the highlight of the festival.
German made Hohner accordions were first introduced by Europeans to the Columbian coast in the early 1900’s as a means to incorporate the acordeon vallenato with the South American culture and create new styles of music. Their intentions were more than recognized when peasants throughout the “Great Valley” began to express their life of heartbreak, strife, and humility in song. Many of these self taught musicians would become legendary “Troubadours” and to this day are held in the highest esteem.
The 3-line button diatonic accordions used for Vallenato music come in different tones; GCF, ADG, and “Cinco Letras” Bb, Eb, Ab (most popular). Quite often the accordions in Panama and Columbia have custom made tones for vallenato musicians.
The ultimate reward for a vallenato accordionist is not a gold record or a record setting concert tour but the Rey de Reyes crown awarded every tenth year of the annual Legend Festival held in Valledupar Columbia. The last recipient (2007) was Hugo Carlos Granados.