At the end of the last century, while the representative music of Mexico was emerging in the state of Jalisco, Mexican-Americans in the United States continued to cultivate their own traditions. Among the most valued as... more »pects of their heritage was music.In 1964, an Irish-Catholic priest organized the first young Mariachi group of Mexican-Americans in the United States. Later, in 1971, after having collaborated almost from the birth of this group, Randy Carrillo, a student, organized Mariachi Cobre with the participation of his younger brother Steve and his friend Mack Ruiz.1996 marks a quarter century during which this extremely professional group of young Mexican-American men (nearly all from Tucson) have sung and played the music of Mexico, not only in the United States but as ambassadors in other countries and via international television.In 1981, Mariachi Cobre planted the seed from which the Tucson International Mariachi Conference would grow. This celebration is a concept that has spread to other U.S. cities where similar events are held. These cultural events have not only increased the exposure of Mariachi music but have caused an emergence of dozens of young groups and have heightened the level of study related to Mariachi music.The XXV anniversary celebration is a source of pride for the renowned Mariachi Cobre who, with their strong sense of tradition, promotes the music of Mexico to the entire world.« less
At the end of the last century, while the representative music of Mexico was emerging in the state of Jalisco, Mexican-Americans in the United States continued to cultivate their own traditions. Among the most valued aspects of their heritage was music.In 1964, an Irish-Catholic priest organized the first young Mariachi group of Mexican-Americans in the United States. Later, in 1971, after having collaborated almost from the birth of this group, Randy Carrillo, a student, organized Mariachi Cobre with the participation of his younger brother Steve and his friend Mack Ruiz.1996 marks a quarter century during which this extremely professional group of young Mexican-American men (nearly all from Tucson) have sung and played the music of Mexico, not only in the United States but as ambassadors in other countries and via international television.In 1981, Mariachi Cobre planted the seed from which the Tucson International Mariachi Conference would grow. This celebration is a concept that has spread to other U.S. cities where similar events are held. These cultural events have not only increased the exposure of Mariachi music but have caused an emergence of dozens of young groups and have heightened the level of study related to Mariachi music.The XXV anniversary celebration is a source of pride for the renowned Mariachi Cobre who, with their strong sense of tradition, promotes the music of Mexico to the entire world.
CD Reviews
A must CD very mariachi lovers.
01/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mariachi Cobre is one of the best mariachi's I've heard. They are truly one of the great mariachi's in the world. Each song is sung and played like no other. If you like mariachi music, this is one that you must buy for your collection."
Here's a group with the polish of the studio!
Margot D. Fernandez | Tucson, Arizona | 09/07/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mariachi Cobre has been around for many years, to which their 25th anniversary album attests. It is also obvious in the rapport with which they perform. This group is responsible for the revival of Mariachi music all over the Southwest, as well as for the music in the Mexican Pavilion of Disney World for quite some time. Their sound encompasses all styles, from the traditional ranchero sound of "La Chuparrosa" to the restrained elegance of "El Barco." The singers also display a remarkable range of talent, from the robust baritone of co-founder Steve Carillo to the lightest of countertenor performances by Miguel Angel Molina. Every conceivable combination of voices is heard--solo, duet, trio and ensemble. You also won't want to miss the combined vocal talents of Steve Carillo and his brother Randy. It isn't often that you hear such talent in one family. Mariachi Cobre also features quite a multiplicity of sound, encompassing brasses as well as the traditional strings. All in all, they offer the traditional soul of Mexico, polished to musical brilliance in the studio. If you like Mexican music, you'll love this album."
I love listening to Mariachi Cobre.
12/15/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mariachi Cobre has a very soothing sound when it comes to playing boleros and sonnes. The sound of Randy and Steve's voices singing together is just so beautiful. The way Cobre plays their instruments is so exciting to hear what they will play next. During the time between the end of the song to the beginning of the next one keeps you in suspense. You are yearning to hear what is next. I love this cd. Take my advice you will love it."
It's amazing that such a mariachi exists
Raymond E. Rojas | El Paso, Texas | 09/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Probably the best interpreters of the son jalisciense today, Cobre begins with the son "El Jilguerillo." This son has not been recorded a lot. I remember only Mariachi Oro y Plata and some really old recordings of Mariachi Vargas and Mariachi Tapatio. Mariachi Camperos recently recorded it. Steve Carrillo is perhaps one of the best arrangers in mariachi today. Listen, especially, to how the violins match the vihuala strumming. Their son duet singing is very good, although I would have like that they just stuck to two singers instead of switching every verse. "Popurri Pancho Villa" is one of my all time favorites. They give those yells reminicent of Franciso "El Charro" Avita and their corrido duets sould wonderful. Franciso Grijalva, Cobre's guitarrist has been a longtime fan of the nostalgia generation of Mexican music. His arrangement of "Maria Elena" is very beautiful. I have never heard a mariachi perform it with the lyrics. Steve Carrillo sings it with good style. Remember that this was one of the world's most famous songs when it came out. All I can say is "wow" to their renditin of Los Arrieros. There has not been such a good rendition of this son since Mariachi Vargas "Sones de Jalisco" album. There is a little bridge that is an honor to Mariachi Mexico's recordings with Memo Quintero and and Pepe Gutierrez in their album "El Autentico Son Jalisciense." With exception of Los Camperos, most show mariachis butcher sones jaliscienses today. There are some very well done trio boleros. "La Barca" has just a few year before been rerecorded by Luis Miguel and gained a huge following. Los Hnos. Cantoral made it a hit many years ago. I liked Molina's interpretation there as well has the trio arrangements. "Cuando Lloran Los Hombres" is sung by Randy Carillo. Randy only sung one song on their first album. He's come a long way with this Jose Alfredo classic. Mack Ruiz sings a good "El Cenzontle." Anyone going to Cobre's workshops at mariachi conferences remembers this song. Lalo Guerrero has been a hero to many of Cobre's members, most of them being from Tucson, AZ. Guerrero's classic "Nunca Jamas" is given here.
I first saw "Popurri Jorge Negrete" when Univision use to televise the Tucson mariachi conference. Steve Carrillo starts off with a good "Dulce Patria" and "Noche Plateada" Few can match Negrete, but Carrillo comes close. What I love is Mack Ruiz low voice in "Cuando Quiere Un Mexicano." Randy Carrillo sings "Tequila con Limon" with oumph. Miguel Martinez "La chuparrosa" is a trumpet gem. Steve Carrillo and Israel really pull it off well."
Solid Adobe Wall of Sound!
LillyDale | Cochise County | 02/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An excellent album whether one is an established mariachi fan or a newcomer. The production values are outstanding, the instrumentation unbelievably tight, and the vocals enormously pleasing. In mariachi, Everybody Sings, and this album makes you glad they do! Los Changitos Feos have come a long way, and this is probably their best album to date. My only complaint is that they should record more."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1