Audio Examples

Juarez (danzón)
"Juárez" is one of the most popular pf the Mexican danzones. This piece refers to the famed Benito Juárez (president of Mexico on and off from 1855 to 1872). Originally of Cuban origin, the danzón became quite popular in Veracruz and Mexico City during the "danzón fever" of the 1920's - 1940's. Danzones did not become popular with conjuntos until the 1950's, when conjunto moved from the fields into pay dance halls. Danzones are requested by more experienced dancers.
Performed by Los Brillantes de Martín Zapata - Martín "El Ace" Zapata (accordion), Héctor Xavier Guajardo (banjo sexto), José Olalde (bass guitar), Pedro Saldaña (drums, vocals).
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40477 1999)

El Senderito (chotís)
Narciso Martínez composed this tune in the 1930's. Schottische was one of the most popular dance styles prior to the introduction of the canción ranchera. Schottische dance steps are intricate and not for the uninitiated. Social dance contestants had to master several varieties of the danceable tunes, and schottisches were often used a tie-breakers. Today when these tunes are played, younger audiences watch grey-haired dancers strut their stuff. Performed by Amadeo Flores y su Conjunto - Amadeo Flores 9accordion), Juan Antonio "Tony" Tapia (banjo sexto, vocals), José "Pepe" Maldonado (bass guitar, vocals), Jesús Godines, Jr. (drums).
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40477 1999)

Los Laureles (canción ranchera)
Adapted to the ranchera beat, this traditional mariachi tune is now a conjunto standard. Like many other conjuntos, Los Rieles are a family-based group. Family conjuntos facilitate the transmission of this musical tradition from generation to generation. The accordionist, 16-year-old Adrián Jackson, recently replaced his uncle. He became interested in conjunto after he dreamt that Narciso Martínez spoke to him of the music. Jackson states, "we got the feeling of the music. The more we play it, the more we like it. You feel it in your heart - you can't just sit there and listen to this music." Performed by Los Rieles Express de San Benito - Adrián Jackson Becerra (accordion), Roland Becerra Sr., (bajo sexto, vocals), Rodolfo Becerra (bass guitar), Rolando Becerra, Jr. (drums), Martín Sánchez (vocalist).
(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40477 1999)

Notes provided here are taken from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings liner notes for the album titled Taquachito Nights: Conjunto Music From South Texas. The album was produced and annotated by Cinthia Vidaurri. Musical examples were taken from the same album.

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