It has been more than fifteen years since the musician and researcher of Dominican folklore, Isidro Bobadillabrought together a group of friends to be part of a project that, over time, would become a group that has gained a solid reputation for entertaining parties and special activities. We refer to The Boba Band.
When commenting on the band’s first steps, “El Boba” remembers that its first activities were focused on the latin jazz and mentions that one of his main presentations was in Punta Canaright next to the residence of his friend Oscar Imbert, where they were in charge of providing music for a private ceremony.
Bobadilla, who is he? percussionist of 4-40 led by the famous teacher Juan Luis Guerraensures that the birth of The Boba Band places it in Punta Cana. “Every time I introduce it, I do it by saying Punta Cana for the world, because it was there that it was founded. I remember that we played music in an activity, but to talk. Then, Manolo Despradel comes up to me and tells me to play a merengue; At that time, Sandy Gabriel (saxophonist) was part of the group. We talked and started with the instrumental ‘Juanita Morel’ because we didn’t have singers,” he revealed.
After finishing the set, Antonio Segundo Imbert and Manolo Despradel suggested that he put together a band. “They told me that in the East there was a lot of ‘itching’ because there were many activities. From there, the rest is history, and I must tell you that the name was given by the teacher Manuel Tejada, because before that we had no name,” he acknowledged.
In Fitur
At the last International Tourism Fair, which was held in Spain, The Boba Band had an outstanding participation. That is part of the recognition they have had. “We thank Banreservaswho hired us; There we accompanied our great artist Adalgisa Pantaleón”.
Isidro Bobadillawho was a student of the now deceased folklorist Fradique Lizardodefined the group as versatile, because they are professional musicians who have the preparation to accompany any national and international artist.
“We are talking about figures like Janina Rosado (director), Juan de la Cruz, Daniel Peña, Dichens Salcedo, René Geraldino, Luis Mojica, Rafael Carrasco, Ernesto Núñez, Carlos Torres, Roger Zayas, JeremÃas King. I can tell you that there is a great harmony between colleagues and a pleasant atmosphere, feelings that arise from how we get along in the big family that is 4-40. By the way, greetings to the boss (Juan Luis Guerra) to cool me down,” he commented jokingly.
Isidro Bobadilla is very grateful for Juan Luis Guerra. He maintains a close relationship with him. In fact, he revealed that he has even managed to party The Boba Band.
“Juan Luis’s music has incorporated many of the elements of our culture to merengue, bachata… “Creator of La Boba Band
He Cabarete Jazz Festival
From next November 1 to 3, Cabarete beach, Puerto Platawill host the Cabarete Jazz Festival 2024, and there it will be The Boba Band. Regarding their participation, they stated that they are very excited to be able to play there and grateful to the organizers. “We will be there on November 1 with a varied repertoire that will include all types of music. We are preparing to have a great night at a festival that will cover various themes.”
He Cabarete Jazz Festival It will also feature performances by internationally renowned figures such as Paquito D´ Rivera, Arturo Sandoval and Escalamdrum. In addition, Pavel Núñez and Leton Pe will take the stage with the special participation of DJ Poteleche.
“We are going to play latin jazzbut we are going to enjoy our meringue. This festival has something interesting and it is the fact that I have met people from other towns who have told me that they are going to Puerto Plata“Bobadilla advanced.
Your journey in music
His beginnings in music date back to the group Pathswhich was part of the movement of the New Song.
“Fradique Lizardo He contacted me after seeing us at a concert in which we participated along with other groups at Casa de Teatro. He invited the Dominican Folkloric Ballet and introduced me as percussionist. There I learned to touch the cultural manifestations by visiting the communities and I participated in an investigation led by Martha Helen Davis and MarÃa Teresa Melfis, in which Dominican culture was revalued and which was sponsored by UNESCO, the results of which were not made public,” he said. .
music today
“I think everything that is happening with our music is interesting. On the one hand, there is a movement of young people, among whom I can mention Techy Fatule, Manny CruzAna Féliz, Pamel Mancebo and Laura Rivera. It is a movement that is making very good music, and in that group I must include the maestro Penbian Sang with Retro Jazz. I think popular music is in a good moment; In fact, an award show like the Latin Grammys recognizes us,” he said.
Great learning
Be part of the band 4-40 of Juan Luis Guerra It has been a great learning experience in the more than 20 years he has been there.
- “Musically speaking, Juan Luis Guerra opened a furrow in my head, because I had to open myself like percussionist to be a complement to a project that has revalued Dominican culture. Juan Luis’s music has incorporated many of the elements of our culture into merengue and bachata. All regions are present in their music,” he said.
- Few know that when he joined Juan Luis’s band, Bobadilla had won a scholarship to study music at New York. Faced with the dilemma, he asked for guidance from his teacher, who recommended that he accept it. But he decided to pause his studies and follow Juan Luis around the world, which he does not regret.
