Trio Voces de mi Pueblo

If you are wondering what to get your corazon this Valentine’s Day and really want to make an impression, perhaps a romantic serenade of traditional Latino ballads or folk songs by the Trio Voces de mi Pueblo may do the trick. Felix A. Cordero is the leader of the group. He lives in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield and is a native of Patillas, Puerto Rico. When you add the harmony of Angel Ramos and Oscar Rosario, this group can resonate melodies that, as they say, “can cut your veins deep.” Their musical instruments include a first and second guitar, accompanied by bongos, a guiro which is a dry, hollowed-out gourd with ridges cut across it that when stroked with a metal pick makes a scratchy sound, and, of course, maracas. Although many of the song lyrics speak of the beauty of love and relationships, such as “Sin Ti--Without You,” other songs, like “En Mi Viejo San Juan,” eloquently comfort those who have traveled to a foreign land in search of a better life--hoping to return to their homeland someday.

“En Mi Viejo San Juan” - By Noel Estrada

In my Old San Juan, many dreams I forged in my childhood years

My first illusion, and my grief of love are memories of the soul

One afternoon I departed for a foreign nation, that's how destiny would have it

But my heart remained at the seas, of my Old San Juan.

(chorus)

Goodbye (goodbye, goodbye)

My dear Borinquen (land of my love)

Goodbye (goodbye, goodbye)

Mi Goddess of the Sea (my Queen of the Palms)

I'm leaving (I'm leaving now)

But someday I'll return

To search for my love

To dream once again

In my Old San Juan.

But time passed me by, and destiny fooled my terrible nostalgia.

And I could not return to my San Juan of yesterday, little piece of my soul.

My hair turned white, my life is about to leave, death is upon me.

I do not want to die so far away from you, Puerto Rico of my soul!

Cordero described his musical passion as one that began at a very young age. As a child, Cordero enjoyed listening to ballads. He named the group Trio Voces de mi Pueblo (The voice of my people) because the music his group sings does not come from one region. In addition to singing romantic ballads and traditional Puerto Rican folk music, the group also plays Colombian Cumbia, Salsa and Merengue. Voces de mi Pueblo are available for birthdays, baptisms, weddings, and any special occasion. To contact the group, please call (413) 636-8421 or (413) 519-8631