Customer Reviews

I Love My Freedom, I Love My Texas

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mingo Saldivar is one of those legendary accordion players from South Texas who made a big name for himself. He fused country and conjunto for a new spirit that stands alone. This is one of his finest CDs ever. According to writer Ramiro Burr in his definitive "Billboard Guide to Tejano and regional Mexican Music," Saldivar "became known for his energetic stage show, where he would hang his accordion at waist level, while swinging, dancing and singing." Indeed, he is still a dynamo on stage, outperforming many young artists half his age.

Mingo's live performances remind me of a west San Antonio butcher channeling Flaco Jimenez, Waylon Jennings, and James Brown simultaneously.

I saw Mingo in San Antonio at the Tejano/Conjunto Festival, which if you are a fan of this music you have to go to this five day event.Its in May and now I go every year. Mingo is the bomb.

I have now owned 4 copies of this same CD. Loco, you say? No, I just can't keep them in my home! Everyone who hears this CD ends up taking it home with them! Ay-Yay-Yay!

As a conjunto radio programmer for many years, I can honestly say "I LOVE MY FREEDOM I LOVE MY TEXAS" is quite possibly the best progressive conjunto album ever recorded.
Saldivar is at the top of his game here, and Oscar Tellez' ringing bajo perfectly compliments Mingo's innovative accordion runs.
The polkas "Las Copetonas", and "Sacate Los Piojos Chencha" are both much better here than the original versions.
The record's highlight though, may be the beautiful bolero "Imposible". It showcases Mingo's creativity and is accented by plaintive and emotive squeezebox riffs that seem to come from his very gut. A masterpiece, in my opinion.
This CD is a must for hard-core conjunto collectors.

This CD is full of bouncy, upbeat dance music that is fun to listen to. The accordion playing is wonderful.