Estamos Gozando
If rap is, as Chuck D claimed, "the CNN of the streets," then Puerto Rico's  Afro-derivedplenais the Internet of the Antilles. Spawned in the  19th century, the genre features three tambourine-likepanderohand  drums and topical, news-oriented lyrics. In 1994, bassist Gary Nunez formed  the Plena Libre ensemble. The title of this CD translates as "we are  having fun." The group updatesplenaclassics by Angel Torruellas,Mon Rivera, and Rafael  Cepeda with a rhythm section, four trombones, percussion and keyboards.  Special guests trumpeter Charlie Sepulveda and violinistAlfredo de la Feprovide the jazz tinge on the engaging instrumental, "Lluvia Con Nieve," and  the processional pulsations of "Juan Jose" are sonically signatured by  William Cepeda's ebullient trombone. "Tributo A Rafael Cortijo Y Su Combo"  is a soulful salute to the great Puerto Rican composer who put this music on  the map.--Eugene Holley, Jr.