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Juarez (danzón)
"Juárez" is one of the most popular pf the Mexican danzones.
This piece refers to the famed Benito Juárez (president of
Mexico on and off from 1855 to 1872). Originally of Cuban origin,
the danzón became quite popular in Veracruz and Mexico City
during the "danzón fever" of the 1920's - 1940's. Danzones
did not become popular with conjuntos until the 1950's, when conjunto
moved from the fields into pay dance halls. Danzones are requested
by more experienced dancers.
Performed by Los Brillantes de Martín Zapata - Martín
"El Ace" Zapata (accordion), Héctor Xavier Guajardo (banjo
sexto), José Olalde (bass guitar), Pedro Saldaña (drums,
vocals).
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40477 1999)
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El Senderito (chotís)
Narciso Martínez composed this tune in the 1930's. Schottische
was one of the most popular dance styles prior to the introduction
of the canción ranchera. Schottische dance steps are intricate
and not for the uninitiated. Social dance contestants had to master
several varieties of the danceable tunes, and schottisches were often
used a tie-breakers. Today when these tunes are played, younger audiences
watch grey-haired dancers strut their stuff. Performed by Amadeo Flores
y su Conjunto - Amadeo Flores 9accordion), Juan Antonio "Tony" Tapia
(banjo sexto, vocals), José "Pepe" Maldonado (bass guitar,
vocals), Jesús Godines, Jr. (drums).
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40477 1999)
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Los Laureles (canción
ranchera)
Adapted to the ranchera beat, this traditional mariachi tune is now
a conjunto standard. Like many other conjuntos, Los Rieles are a family-based
group. Family conjuntos facilitate the transmission of this musical
tradition from generation to generation. The accordionist, 16-year-old
Adrián Jackson, recently replaced his uncle. He became interested
in conjunto after he dreamt that Narciso Martínez spoke to
him of the music. Jackson states, "we got the feeling of the music.
The more we play it, the more we like it. You feel it in your heart
- you can't just sit there and listen to this music." Performed by
Los Rieles Express de San Benito - Adrián Jackson Becerra (accordion),
Roland Becerra Sr., (bajo sexto, vocals), Rodolfo Becerra (bass guitar),
Rolando Becerra, Jr. (drums), Martín Sánchez (vocalist).
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40477 1999) |
