Search - Mariachi Vargas De Tecalatlan :: Mexico's Pioneer Mariachis, Vol. 3: Their First Recordings 1937-47

Stunning historic recordings of the most important Mariachi

05/13/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is an indespensible treasure for enthusiasts who already know and love the Mariachi genre. Arhoolie Records are to be lauded for their loving restoration and issue of these recordings, originally released on now-rare '78s from the '30's and '40's. Mariachi Vargas are well-known as the greatest ensemble of the genre, but are also very important historically as the group who not only codified the contemporary instrumental line-up, but also popularized the genre internationally by appearing in hundreds of films from the classic Mexican studio era. These recordings are gems for those who are interested in hearing how Mariachi progressed from a regional phenomenon into one of the principle items of Mexican identity. Not recommended as an introduction to the genre (see Mariachi Cobre for that,) but rather as a supremely entertaining pleasure for those with ethnomusicological interst, long memories, or a general pre-existing love of this incredible music. As moving and poignent as it is fun."

A marvel !

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 02/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The back of this CD states: " Prior to this CD reissue, none of the recordings included here had been available since their original release on 78 rpm records, although some of the selections were later re-recorded by Mariachi Vargas. These performances are truly "missing links" in the history of recorded mariachi music and make available, for the first time in over half a century, documentation of the stylistic evolution of a musical tradition which has come to be considered the national musical symbol of Mexico".These recordings from '37-'47 may sound "old", but the music is sensational. I love two tracks that are rather unusual: # 2, "El Tren", a son which duplicates the sound of a train on these instruments better than anyone could imagine, and # 15, "El Zopilote Mojado", an instrumental which is a very Spanish paso doble.With this CD you get 70 minutes of great music, and one of the best packages I've ever seen. The booklet is marvelous, with an illuminating history of mariachi music by Jonathan Clark, the lyrics to 20 songs (4 tracks are instrumental) which also have English translations, as well as a brief story about each song...but the real treat is the center double page photo of this group circa 1945...like this CD, it's a gem."