Customer Reviews

Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock 'n' Roll from Southern California

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Many of the groups mentioned had their beginnings in the Salesian High School Rock n' Roll shows of the late 60's. Thee midnighter, Thee Enchantments, The Pharoahs, The Nightdreamers, Art and the Fabulons,Lil Art, the Counts, The Blue Satins, the impalas, The 4 x 4's, the Celestials, and many more. They grew into the Battle of the Bands of East L.A. The Showmen and The Majestics,who I roadied for, in the LATE 60' to the early 70's. Hank Castro of the Majestics still sings today at the Hop. An album, if you can get it, is the "East Side Revue" it was in yellow vinyl and black vinyl. It's a classic album.

I found this to be a very joyful experience back into a musical era (1960') when I was teenager. I grew up with people like the Salas's Bros. (my cousins) El Chicano, the Premiers ( I went to grade school and High school with them), Thee Enchantments, played football with Willie Garcia of the Midnighters. Knew members of Yaqui, and Art Brambila, my uncle. I saw most of these groups that you mentioned in your book live throuhout my teenage years. Alot of these people were my friends. One dear friend that was never mentioned in your book was Eddie Serrano, former singer of Yaqui, Thee Enchantments and most currently, Cannibal and the Headhunters. Eddie passed away early this year from a bicycle accident. We grew as neighbors,more like brothers in Lincoln Heights. He contributed a lot to East La Music and entertainment in general. I was hoping he would be mentioned so his family and close friends could see his accomplishments written for legacy.

Thank you very much for your trip back in time where music,life and friends meant so much during those turbulent years. Sincerly, Joe Brambila

"Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock 'N' Roll from Southern California" traces the roots and influences on the Chicano/Latino music scene today. The book is well researched including dozens of interviews with early performers from East L.A. and all around the Southland.

Mr. Reyes' and Waldman's rich photo archives accompany a history that may well have been lost had they not carefully documented it for us. The musical influences of artists like Richie Valens, Thee Midnighters, Cannibal and the Headhunters, Mark Guerrero, "Grammy Award" winning musician Carlos Santana, El Chicano, Tierra, and Malo are particularly interesting. Future generations of Hispanics and non-Hispanics will be blessed with the memories and experiences that the pioneers of Chicano Rock-n-Roll had with this enchanted cruise with sounds of the barrio, a magical blend of cultures that brought forth these "Oldies but Goodies"!

The authors have done significant research on their subject, and their focus and dedication really show, as they move through the history of this most important period in contemporary music. Anyone who is interested in
the music, the artists and their environment, would enjoy this book. The photographs, which are numerous, underscore the text very nicely. It is no coincidence that P.B.S. has recently aired a great special, based largely on this book.

What an enjoyable book to read. This second edition (2009) has a fascinating introduction. The impact of 50's to '90's Chicano music, culture, language on the American music scene are topics that are addressed in this historical review of Chicano music in Southern California.
The narrative is an easy read but filled with interesting facts and the musicians perspectives on race, politics, and culture during their time period. The authentic photos really give you a feel for the era's discussed. This book is a keeper.

I hope they put out a 3rd edition and include Rage Against the Machine and some of the bands of the mid 90's to 2010.The changing demographic, current politics, changing roles, and globilization will make a very interesting book.

The revised edition contains some new material. But it does not modify or reevaluate the content and theme of the original edition--which is to bring attention to the sources and originators of Chicano rock music and survey the variety of styles, performers, and bands in the field. While being more a popular work than a historical study, the book too follows to some degree how Chicano rock gained popularity and made its way into the mainstream. The indication of the success of Chicano music in becoming part of the mainstream of popular music is that much of today's Chicano music and many of today's Chicano performers are not identified as such. As happened with lots of rap music, Chicano music has blended into the popular culture medley. Both authors have backgrounds in music and popular culture. The Selected Discography is a good starting point for finding recordings of Chicano music.