Customer Reviews

Viva El Mariachi!

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Buying this disc, reading the accompanying booklet and listening to the music and you will become an instant source of knowledge. The outstanding booklet details the career of Nati Cano's Mariachi Los Camperos, from it's inception in Mexico, it's relocation to different cities in the republic and all the way to his eventual settlement in Los Angeles. Besides the music being top notch, by one of the preeminent mariachi groups in the world, the text is a wealth of information about the roots of mariachi(dispels the common belief that the word came about with the French occupation) and the mega growth to today's popularity worldwide that includes numerous festivals , groups and recordings. As part of the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings coming from the Center for Folkloric and Cultural Heritage the disc is a standout A+ winner. The booklet has 32 pages and besides the essays each and every song is explained with biographical information including a decription as to the style, i.e., whether it is a bolero, ranchera, huapango, jalisciense or son and even has technical information on meter timing of the melodies. The music itself is a superb collection of the various styles. The lively set contains some of the most popular mariachi songs recorded including ,"El Gustito(check out a Los Lobos version)," Gema"(made popular by Javier Solis), "La Malaguena"(recorded by everyone from Richie Valens to Paco de Lucia) " and "Paloma Negra"(resounding and resonating from Garibaldi Square and all points on the compass throughout every bar in Mexico). Another great thing about this CD is the variety of singers who interpret the various styles. This creates a disc that has many textures to match the various styles; on one track it may be a woman singing, on another a man in falsetto maybe interpreting a huapango, a deep baritone voice or a sensous treatment to a bolero or it may just be a blending of various vocalists.Nati Cano proves that he is as much a visionary of mariach music as some of his contemporary and more well known giants in the field like Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. This is an outstanding disc for the serious collector of mariachi recordings or for the newbie. Great music and an informative booklet make for a perfect package for the festive times of your life. This CD should not be missed by people who like mariachi music, buy it, you won't be dissapointed.

Under normal conditions, to find linear notes or info about the mariachi and its musicians is rare! Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, a Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, is a non-profit record label and its mission is to "reconnect people through music" by offering greater access to the musical heritage. Here, a special treat includes a 30-page booklet!

What is fascinating is the story of Los Angeles mariachi band Nati Cano's Mariachi Los Camperos and is primarily based on interviews with Nati Cano in 1999. Cano born in 1933 grew up in Mexico and at 6 years old, he learned the vihuela, the violin. And at 8 years old, was playing professionally in the cantinas with his father and grandfather.

There was a time that mariachi music wasn't always received well in the very early days. Cano recalls a painful experience upon entering the cantinas, a sign that read "no women, men in uniform, beggars, street vendors, mariachis and dogs NOT allowed.

He shares wonderful stories about his start, the music, traditions, musicians, and more. Furthermore, the music is wonderful! The pure rich sound of mariachi is excellent! I always like some traditional classics and yet I am always introduced to many songs I hadn't heard of. This is refreshing! MzRizz.

This is one of my favorite CD's. the arrangements and voices are superb. This CD shows why Los Camperos is one of the premier mariachi's in the world. Listening to "el gusto" and its violin makes you feal like you are really listening to a conjunto huasteco and my personal favorite, "Virgencita de Talpa" is sung and played with such passion. If you ever have a chance to listen to los camperos live, I recomend that you do it.

Having the pleasure of hearing Mariachi Los Camperos at La Fonda in Los Angeles has to be one of the best experiences for a mariachi lover like me. Not being able to be there everyday, I have Viva El Mariachi to hear them at home. This CD should be a must have of every mariachi aficionado. I love all the songs and the way they perform. It is just too bad that there are no more of their cd's available. I fully recommend it.

I have to admit, this CD won me over....it is better than any Mariachi Vargas CD I own. I was particularly impressed by:

1) Great Rhythmic Diversity

2) Three Part Vocal Harmonies on Boleros

3) The integrity of improvised Fiddling on Huapangos

4) Frantic pace on the syncopated Sones Jalisciences

This CD simply kicks fanny!!! I like this much better than my Mariachi Vargas CDs!!! Throughout the CD the muscianship is excellent, in particular with the violin playing. The voices are powerful and passionate without being strained, and convey emotion that transcends the language barrier (although I understand quite a bit of the lyrics). Whether you're a casual Mariachi listener or a collector and fan, this belongs in your collection!

Los Camperos better than ever and all songs benefit from a remarkable take.

AWESOME!! The music and voices are wonderful. This recording offers a terrific variety of Mariachi music, vocals are all pleasant to the ear. All instruments are a delight to hear. So pleased with this purchase, I never heard before. Even the grand kids love it. I have heard Los Camperos before with Linda Ronstadt. She certainly chose the BEST!!