Puerto Rican Merengue o Dominican Merengue

[conciencia]

What is the diference between Puerto Rican Merengue and Dominican Merengue ? Is it the words used ? It seems to me that the Puerto Rican Merengue is more like a Bomba Merengue and sometimes a Plena Merengue. I also noticed the words of the PR Meregue make more sence o is directed toward love instead of double meaning sexual expressions. What is really the diference ? Why we sell more then the originators of the Merengue ?

[Leticia_g]

I like the Puerto Rican Merengue better. Not because it is Puerto Rican but because like you said the majority of the Dominican Merengue is very sexual or has a double meaning. I would not like to hear my daughters singing songs that have that type of content. One of my Latin American Music professors stated that the genre of Dominican Merengue is a little bit different that the Puerto Rican one. If you listen to it carefully the rhythm is different. Maybe one attracks people more. I will look it up in my books to verify the difference and will let you know.

[Italia_Lena]

Leticia....

Hey my friend...that sounds interesting. I would be interested in knowing what the difference is. To be quite honest with you I never thought about it, but now...I WILL DEFINATLEY PAY CLOSER ATTENTION. I am going out Friday with a friend I just recently met. He is taking me dancing merengue at a local club. I will see what he knows about all of this also!

[Leticia_g]

Italia,
Have fun dancing, but watch those steps.

I'll be contacting my professor so that I can btter explain the difference.

[Italia_Lena]

Hi ladies....

Well I went dancing last Friday...one week ago today! Boy oh boy....NO SALSA FOR ME! Only Merengue. I had so much fun, and my friend who I went with explained the different beats to me..so when different songs came on I payed closer attention to them. I had a lot of fun. Hopefully I can continue to practice with him.

[raquelita]

I agree that dominican merengue usually has a double meaning so I am careful. But when it comes to dancing I prefer dominican merengue because I feel it has a faster and more catchy beat. When it comes to listinging to merengue for the words, not dancing just listining, I prefer puertorican merengue, I feel it has more meaning.

I'm glad you had fun Italia, don't give up on Salsa though

[davtpt]

Hello mi gente..
Here's the major difference between P.R.& Santo Domingo merengue....
The Puerto Rican merengue mostly consist of a 1-5-5-1 chord progression, ( the opposite of a umpa or mary had a little lamb )style, which can't be rushed so you end up with a "fat" & slow sound...
The Dominican concept is the opposite, 1-5-1-5 chord progression, which is easier, & better when played faster..
Now for the fast merengues you really can't complicate it with the words unless you do it rap style like "La Banda del Swing" from P.R.
I am a trumpet player & played with Gozadera, plus sat in with grupo Wao, Sabrosos,Cana Brava, etc ..
I hope this helps in understanding the "music" aspect of the different style.