Rafael Meléndez, 63 years of age, does not know what first attracted him to documenting and performing the musical lore of his native state of Lara, on the coast of Venezuela. But this is the passion of this heavy machine operator who married into a musical family and, in turn, raised a musical family of his own. In 1987 he founded the 12-member ensemble Lara, Sabor y Tambor, with his wife, Esmeralda Leal de Meléndez, as composer, and his six children plus nieces, nephews, and some of his children’s spouses as musicians. He also established a folkdance academy in Barquisimeto, capital of Lara, which continues today under the tutelage of two of his children.

Lara, Sabor y Tambor performs primarily original compositions in the style of coastal Venezuelan folk music and has developed its own trademark rhythm, which its members call “Melebá.” Their musical performances are enhanced by Meléndez’s gift as a poet and by the composing ability of his wife and one of his sons, Rafael “Rafa” Meléndez, Jr.

Lara, Sabor y Tambor on tour.
Photograph courtesy of Rafael Meléndez, Sr.

Lara, Sabor y Tambor has toured throughout Venezuela and other countries of South America; they have also performed in the Canary Islands and the Caribbean island of St. Martin. In addition to producing four recordings, they have received 20 Venezuelan awards. In South Florida, they have continued their mission of introducing the world to Venezuelan music.

Listen
Lara, Sabor y Tambor.
“Tres colores bellos” (“Three Beautiful Colors”) (parranda).
From Lara, Sabor y Tambor, Al rimo del melebá.
Used by permission of Rafael Meléndez, Sr.