Bachata was created primarily by servants, who played it after their work days ended. They made the music out of ordinary objects like those commonly found in a backyard such as trashcans and fences. In some rural areas of the Dominican Republic, bachata means trash, but most citizens also agree that it means a party. Others say that bachata is derived from the Italian ballata, which was a popular form of music in Italy centuries ago.[citation needed] Bachata did not begin as the popular dance music that it is today and it was not acceptable among higher society.Guitar (either electric or acoustic) whose sound has been doctored with a flanger, reverb, echo, or a combination of the three, is featured. The use of arpeggiated chords as the basis for the melody is almost standard. An additional guitar, called the segunda, or rhythm guitar, is usually mixed at a lower volume, and provides syncopation. An electric bass guitar and güira help anchor the rhythm - with the güira sounding a bit like a high-hat (in pre 1990s bachata, maracas were played instead of güira). The use of the bongo drum further solidifies the basic beat, and provides and percussive accents in transition points - for instance right before a chorus
History
As popular radio filled the air waves with merengue and salsa, bachata musicians and their sponsors were forced to develop a a grass-roots system of producing and distributing their music. As with most styles of Latin American music, bachata is predominantly performed by male singers. Some of the important early bachateros are José Manuel Calderón, Eladio Romero Santos, Edilio Paredes, Luis Segura, Ramon Cordero, and Rafael Encarnación.
The bachata played today uses electric guitar and has phrasing which is more rhythmic and groove-like than in earlier styles. The evolution to electric has perhaps helped make bachata more accessible.
Some associate Juan Luis Guerra's Grammy winning 1992 release, Bachata Rosa, with bachata's rise in legitimacy and international recognition. Others argue that Guerra had very little to do with bachata's rise, and that, although he used the word 'bachata' in an album title, he never actually even recorded a song in a typical bachata style.
At present 2006, the Dominican group Aventura is probably the best known bachata group worldwide with its single "Obsesión" having dominated for a long time radio play both in Latin America, US Latino markets, and countries as distant as Italy and Sweden. While they are superseded at the international level by Aventura, for the Dominican audience, the most popular of the modern bachateros have been Antony Santos & Luis Vargas . Other artists of note include Raulin Rodriguez, Zacarias Ferreira, Frank Reyes, Monchy y Alexandra, Domenic Marte, Xtreme, Andy Andy, Elvis Martinez, Leonardo Paniagua, Los Toros Band, and Joe Veras.
Dance
The basic footwork is a series of simple steps that produce a back and forth or sideways motion. A schematic footwork would be as follows: starting with the right foot make a chasseto the right on counts 1,2,3. On 4, touch the left toe beside your right foot (alternatively, tapping the left toe in place, i.e., apart from the right foot, make an upwards jerk with the left hip). Then do the same from your left foot. The character of the dance is achieved through sensual hip and body movements. You can also add turns to spice it up a little or dance closer together or far apart depending on how comfortable you are with your dance partner. The more you dance with someone the more likely you will be able to lead them or be led. Usually the male leads and the female follows.
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