Mariachi moxie! Diana's spunky songs are a counterpart to traditional mariachi lyrics which point the finger at women as the culprits of men's woes. Most of the tunes are bright and humorous such as "El son del antojo" (a... more » singer flirts behind her boyfriend's back) and "Mi novio Jose" (the singer invents a boyfriend to dodge a would-be partner). Diana ("La Platanita" ) dips into a serious note with the title track, a huapango about a painful break-up. Lyrics are included in a booklet. The instrumentation is traditional: voices, trumpets, violins, guitar, vihuela, and guitarron.« less
Mariachi moxie! Diana's spunky songs are a counterpart to traditional mariachi lyrics which point the finger at women as the culprits of men's woes. Most of the tunes are bright and humorous such as "El son del antojo" (a singer flirts behind her boyfriend's back) and "Mi novio Jose" (the singer invents a boyfriend to dodge a would-be partner). Diana ("La Platanita" ) dips into a serious note with the title track, a huapango about a painful break-up. Lyrics are included in a booklet. The instrumentation is traditional: voices, trumpets, violins, guitar, vihuela, and guitarron.
CD Reviews
Mujers Nostro Tiempo Ha Llegado
L. Connal | Phoenix AZ USA | 02/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Those of us who love music from down under--our USBorder that is--often appreciate Mariachi. The special quality of Diana's work lies in the fact that it gleefully presents a woman's point of view in a genre that usually portrays women as the source of men's unhappiness and reason for severe alcohol consumption. This woman's point of view makes us sing along, dance, and feel happy without beating down on men. This indeed is quite a feat. We should pay attention to Ransdell and Mariachi America. The music is wonderful, the sentiment and the words clear.Diana's music lightens the heart and tickles my feet so as to move me around my home with joyous cheer. Anything that moves me around is quite worthy of applause, indeed."
I WAS AWESTRUCK BY THIS FIRST TRACK!!!
tim kopf | Chicago and NW IN, USA | 02/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...In a continual ongoing effort to educate myself to the various diverse world music styles and genres, I have long sought for a Mariachi CD which was both AUTHENTIC and most of all INSPIRING - something which I could dance to, sing along with, and be motivated by. After listening to the first track of Diane Ransdell's CD I was AWESTRUCK. Further, I (a midwestern gringo) am living proof that you don't have to speak Spanish to enjoy what is truly great music. It goes to prove that great music is universal and can transcend cultural and historical boundaries and speak to the universal human spirit. As a professional orchestral musician, I was most impressed by the trumpet playing in this CD being equal to and arguably surpassing the finest trumpeters in the worlds greatest symphonies. AMAZING MUSICIANS - GREAT MUSIC - SPIRIT AND FUN -- If you are looking for great Mariachi or simply looking for music to inspire you, I highly recommend this CD."
Dancing around the Room
Sally Nidester | Chicago, IL | 02/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These are wonderful, happy songs! The music is bouncy-it makes you want to dance around the room. I especially get a kick out of the subject matter, however, because so many of songs talk about men. (And the verdict is not all positive.) The funniest song is "No te soporto mas," which means "I can't stand you anymore." The woman singer complains that the guy snores like a bear, and he's a lousy kisser! Another song complains about a singer who thinks he's hot stuff, but he leaves a lot to be desired. This CD is light-hearted, though. I never get the feeling that Diana is really against men, only that she likes to joke about them. (Incidentally, "Diana" has also written a novel; what a coincidence that it's about a mariachi player!)"
I WAS AWESTRUCK BY THIS FIRST TRACK!!!
tim kopf | Chicago and NW IN, USA | 02/21/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As an orchestra conductor and professional violinist, I listen to music many hours a day. In a continual attempt to educate myself to various diverse world musical styles, for years I have sought out a Mariachi CD which was authentic and most of all had music which could INSPIRE me (a Midwestern gringo) and also make me want to learn how to play along and dance and sing -- well,I WAS AWESTRUCK BY THIS CD!!! And further I am living proof that you don't have to understand Spanish to enjoy what is truly great music -- contagiously compelling -- full of spirit and AWESOME MUSICIANSHIP -- the technique of the trumpeters arguably surpasses the techniques of the finist trumpeters who play professionally in the worlds best orchestras -- just another example of how truly great music transcends cultural boundaries and IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR GREAT MARIACHI OR JUST WANT TO BE INSPIRED TRY THIS CD!!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1