“PATRIA” by

Song: “PATRIA”
Album: Una Noche Con Rubén Blades
Artist: ​⁠​⁠‪@RUBEN.BLADES‬ feat. ​⁠​⁠‪@wyntonmarsalis‬ and the ​⁠‪@jalc‬ Orchestra.

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PA•TRI•A [ˈpā‧trēə], noun
1. “One’s native country or homeland.” - Oxford
2. “Natural habitat.” - Merriam-Webster

Been a bit homesick lately, so this months one-shot, one-take is for the song “Patria”, by Rubén Blades, performed here with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra. I’m dedicating this to my parents, Adalberto + Nilsa, and my in-laws, Angel + Marisol🪽.

In Puerto Rico and throughout all of Latin America, Rubén Blades is a legend. He’s been an actor, activist and politician, as well as a genius composer, musician and singer. I didn’t know this ‘til much later in life, but most of the latin music I was exposed to growing up was influenced by Blades in some way.

Not too long ago, I was exploring books on Puerto Rico’s history and researching the artists of the times. I happened upon a YouTube video of Blades performing with the great Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra. I was floored to hear, “El Cantante” and “Pedro Navaja” interpreted with big-band elements, but it was “Patria” that caught me by surprise. I had never heard it before, but related to it immediately - as a Puerto-Rican and especially as a Dad.

As with most songs that resonate with me, it spoke words I couldn’t express, and gave a voice to a sentiment and feeling within me. I am grateful that the song exists and that I can share it with you.

Performance-wise, I wanted to keep it simple and play along to the rumba clave - with just enough “looseness” to do it justice. Besides that, I want to stay out of the way, so you’re not focused on what I’m playing, but instead the lyrics and message of the song.

Hoping I did it justice.
Enjoy!

Play it LOUD! Also, give it a “Like” and share it around. Subscribe for more stories and videos.

Thanks!
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Kept it simple with drum audio and video this time. Both were captured directly from my iPhone 13 and edited/synched with the music in DaVinci Resolve 18. No samples or triggers were used.
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Glitch effects for intro were made in DaVinci Resolve 18 using free resources from:
— https://freestockfootagearchive.com/c...
— https://www.rocketstock.com
— https://mixkit.co/free-sound-effects/...
— https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-musi...

Mostly stock fonts were used, except for a few free/public-domain ones downloaded from:
— https://www.dafont.com
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MY SOCIAL MEDIA:
--Instagram + Twitter: @JOrtizDrum
--Facebook: @JonathanOrtizOfficialDrum

Sponsored by HEARTBEAT CYMBALS
--Site: https://www.heartbeatpercussion.com
--Instagram: @hearbeatpercussion
--Facebook: @heartbeatpercussion
--Twitter: @HBPercussion
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Final note for the YouTube overlords: This performance is an interpretation of a song that inspires me. All rights and respect go to Rubén Blades, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra. No copyright infringement intended.