Floreando

Conjunto Jardin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 27, 2002)
• Original Release Date: November 27, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Trova Recordings
• ASIN: B00007KJP6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #231,730 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Betto Arcos, former music director, KPFK, Los Angeles

"In their new recording, Conjunto Jardin revitalizes the joyful and polyrhythmic music of Veracruz, Mexico known as son jarocho."

Product Description

Floreando is the second CD release from Los Angeles-based Conjunto Jardín. Inspired by the group’s 2001 trip to Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, Mexico, to participate in the annual son jarocho extravaganza Encuentro de Jaraneros, the new CD combines the rhythmic drive and virtuosic sparkle associated with the port city of Veracruz with the more rural, roots-oriented and percussion-flavored style typical of Mono Blanco, Son de Madera and Los Cojolites, Veracruz groups prominent in the current resurgence of jarocho music.

Bailable (danceable) is not a term often applied to son jarocho, even though the percussive footwork called zapateado is an integral part of the tradition. But from the first notes of the opening track—"El Colás," a typically irreverent jarocho classic about a flirty guy—there’s an undeniable groove going on that’s a little different from what you might expect, and substantially funkier. The upbeat, driving "El Torito" (The Little Bull) will satisfy fans of the group’s first album, and its medley-mate "El Toro Zacamandú" (The Magic Bull) percolates with raw energy. But the CD’s real surprise is in the slower tracks—the restrained, hypnotic chant of "El Coco" and, especially, "La Guanábana," with its almost classical arrangement and deliberate build-up and release that echos the song’s lyrics of yearning sexuality.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bright and Joyful, July 14, 2003

By 

Candace "thepageturner" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Floreando (Audio CD)

I recently saw Conjunto Jardin in concert, and the excitement that ran through the audience with their first chords was electric. Their first CD, "Nuevo Son Jarocho," was a delight with the group's strong musicianship and pleasure in their playful interpretations of classic songs evident on every cut. This CD, "Floreando", is equally enjoyable, with strong, pure vocals and that always-surprising Jarocho syncopation that will tickle anyone with a rhythmic bone in his or her body.

This is not straight traditional son, which includes a harp and uses string instruments for percussion. Conjunto Jardin has a wonderful percussionist from West Africa who ekes a world of beat from what looks like a wooden box. The harp is replaced by a keyboard (for most people, this is very hard to tell on the album) and then there is, of course, the fact that the vocalists are women. Libby and Cindy Harding's vocals are soaring and pure, and the bass and percussion provide the balance that is usually not included in traditional son where everything seems tuned and sung really high. The result is traditional music with a new kick

From the upbeat "El Colas" to the yearning "La Guyabana" these are multilayered, textured, infectious songs that stick in your head and put a spring in your step. Irresistible

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic son jarocho, November 17, 2004

By 

WorldDiscoveries.Net "Bill Donovan, Reviewer" (Petaluma, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Floreando (Audio CD)

 On FLOREANDO, Conjunto Jardin is joined by Tim Harden on harp and jarana. Tim is the music professor/folklorist/father of Libby and Cindy Hardin, the leaders of the group.
 Tim gives the group even more of an authentic sound, although this does tone down the almost rock-like drive of the group slightly compared to their first cd NUEVO SON JAROCHO.
 Another change between FLOREANDO and the group's first cd is the addition of multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Jorge Mijangos. Jorge plays both string and percussion instruments.

5.0 out of 5 stars conjunto jardin, March 26, 2007

By 

Nancy Abrams "nanhum" (california) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Floreando (Audio CD)

Well, to begin with, the music is fabulous--an excellent purchase. The product arrived in a timely manner, in good condition. I am pleased--again.