REMINISCE GALLERY

Ramón Vázquez Lamboy now carries my grandfather Felipe Neri Orta's cuatro, Puerto Rico's national instrument. Documenting how Ramón is living out my grandfather's legacy became an observation in the joy other musicians experience holding, playing and seeing his instrument for the first time. I didn't fully understand the impact my grandfather had on this musical community until now.

My grandfather's bandmates, sharing the stories of their most memorable gigs. They once played at the Statue of Liberty centennial ceremonies in 1987, shown above at right. The event was organized by City Lore Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the documentation of New York City's folk culture.

Quique delivered the cuatro to Ramón after my grandfather's passing. He's playing the guiro here, but is best known for his vocals.

An archive of records dating back to the first recordings produced in Puerto Rico. This owner knew exactly where my grandfather's albums were stored on the shelves.

Carlos is a classical guitar student, but his sincere joy at the opportunity to play my grandfather's cuatro for the first time was touching.

Ramón is a music historian, commiting to cataloging the very first recordings of Puerto Rican folk music.

Another moment of reflection, this musician feeling the tones from my grandfather's cuatro.

El Morro, Old San Juan