Joropo, a style of music and dance that developed in the plains of Venezuela and Colombia, combines European and African elements to create an exciting fusion. The instrumentation consists of harp, bandola and cuatro (two types of guitar), bass, and percussion. Lyrics often speak of regional pride, identity, and cattle herding. Grupo Cimarrón, formed in 1986 by harpist Carlos Rojas, brings a rooted yet subtly updated approach to the traditional sound. The songs often are in a lively triple meter and are usually uptempo. Cimarrón! Joropo Music from the Plains of Colombia kicks off with a dazzling instrumental, “Joropo Quitapesares,” which features virtuoso playing. “El Cimarrón” brings to mind the genre’s similarity to jarocho, the Mexican style from Veracruz that gave the world “La Bamba.” “Zumbaquezumba Tramao” spotlights flashy string work from the guitarists and bass player. “La Tonada” slows things down for a duet for harp and vocalist Ana Veydo, who intones words meant to calm cows during the milking process. The album closes on a high-energy note with “Cimarroneando,” a track that rattles with exciting percussion.