By RAMIRO BURR

Some songs like the torchy bolero, "Mucho Corazon," have enough juice that they never cease to fascinate new generations says bajo sexto player Carlos Maldonado.

So, that's why, despite so many covers, he and his band Grupo Fuerte recorded "Mujer Corazon," a classic tune by Emma Elena Casarin Valdemar on his new CD, "Mas Fuerte que Nunca."

Carlos Maldonado

"I've always been a fan of old music. That song has been recorded time after time and for good reason," he said in a recent interview. "It's such a wonderful song and hasn't been recorded in a while.

"I actually fell in love with it again when I heard it by accordionist Steve Jordan. He's one of the reasons I recorded it. That and it just being such a great song."

The lyrics describe the power of honesty and devotion in a relationship. And while many top artists have covered it, the song still retains it's emotional charge. Steve Jordan's version stands out for it's heavy blues flavor.

Tradition is a big part of Maldonado's artistry, and for good reason. He began playing as a toddler in his father's band Grupo Aguila. Through the years he's also had tenures with the Hometown Boys, Elsa García, and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales.

Conjunto and Tejano heritage is infused in the Maldonado family. Carlos Maldonado's great uncle is the late Mario Montes Sr. of Los Doneños. And Roberto Pulido of Los Clasicos is his second cousin.

With a nod to Conjunto Bernal and other great groups that employed beautiful vocal harmonies, Maldonado also included the tune "No Me Trates Asi," written by Joe Flores.

"It took a while, but we did it in a three-part vocal harmony," said Maldonado. "I really wanted that sound."
The 10-track CD opens with "Agonia," a mid-tempo polka with lyrics that describe the calm that comes after a romantic turmoil. Maldonado's semi-retired father, Maldonado Sr., also does a guest vocal stint on "La De Los Ojos Cafes," a tune originally recorded by his father.

The "Mas Fuerte que Nunca" CD is Maldonado's third independent CD but the first on his own label, Fuerte Records.

Working as an independent is always tough, but especially so, given the current economy.

Continue reading "Carlos Maldonado: Old classics never die" »

Filed 22 de Diciembre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

Working as an elementary school teacher by day and as a ballad performer by night isn't easy says singer/songwriter Elizabeth.

But despite the sacrifices and hard work, she says singing brings its own reward.

Elizabeth

"The long hours in the studio and long nights away from my family were difficult and cumbersome," she said. "But when I see the reaction by fans and family to my music, that's what makes it all worthwhile."

Elizabeth is touring behind her debut CD, titled "Siempre," a varied and versatile mix of cumbias, rancheras, polkas and ballads.

The first single from the CD, released on the independent Soleil Discos, is titled "Nada De ti," an upbeat cumbia which kicks off with a sizzling trumpet solo by Elizabeth. The song, released to radio recently, was written by George Tamayo. The lyrics describe a defiant woman ready to walk away from a relationship gone south. Elizabeth incorporated the talents of several top-notch songwriters including Beto Ramon and Luis Valenzi, and she also wrote the title track.

The singer enlisted the engineering skills of multiple Grammy winning producer Gilbert Velasquez and the album was recorded at the famed Velasquez Studio. She also recruited special musical guests on the CD including Hugo Guerrero on keyboards, Chente Barrera on drums, A.J. Castillo on accordion and Jorge Alejandro on percussion.

The biggest challenge in the studio, says Elizabeth, was enduring long recording sessions.

"The most difficult part was having patience. I have learned that patience is definitely a virtue one must have when completing a project of this magnitude," she said. "As an artist, there is money invested in a record production and it is often difficult to wait for the final product. But you can't rush someone's 'creativity'.

Continue reading "Elizabeth: new CD varied, versatile" »

Filed 4 de Diciembre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

A recording group always runs a risk when signing with a new label but Grupo Bryndis says teaming up with EMI Televisa was the right combination.

"Sometimes, the worry is that you sign with a label that has too many artists and they can't dedicate the right time for you," said guitarist Mauro Posadas. "But it turns out EMNI doesn't have too many grupos, so this was good."

Even more important, especially for a veteran group like Bryndis is that EMI Televisa is an international record label, able to provide and distribute CDs into many Latin American countries.

Bryndis recently toured Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil and the ability to offer their music in those markets was critical.

"That was very important for us," said Posadas. "Brazil is a very large market and we just began building an audience there. With EMI, they can distribute us there as well as other important markets such as Spain, Central America, Bolivia."

Formed in 1989 in Santa Paula, California, Bryndis is a grupo, a term in Mexico used to define bands that play mostly keyboard-heavy ballads. The genre leaders would include Bukis, Los Temerarios, Bronco and Yahari. The groups also play a mix of cumbias, rancheras, and boleros.

Continue reading "Bryndis: new label will help open new markets in Brazil, Spain" »

Filed 26 de Noviembre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

ALICE, TEXAS - Emilio Navaira and Los Dos Gilbertos were among the 2008 class of artists inducted into the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame (HoF) at the VFW Hall Saturday night.

The 2008 edition of the Tejano ROOTS HoF ceremony was a special night fueled by a wide range of emotions, powerful memories and wonderful music.

Rosita Ornelas, Tejano Roots Hall of Famer for Broadcast
(Source: Courtesy of Ramon Hernandez/HispanicArchives)

There was joy and laughter, hugs and backslaps for the top artists, sadness and tears for the performers gone but not forgotten. Presented by the Tejano ROOTS organization, the award ceremonies unfolded in this tiny city in South Texas in a potent atmosphere of family pride, tradition, honor and reverence.

The community here may be small but the history of Tejano here still casts a long shadow in the American Southwest and northern Mexico.

Singer and Tejano ROOTS board member Linda Escobar said the awards serve to provide recognition where it is rarely given:

"It is important to know who are the people who made the history in Tejano and conjunto music," she said. "The inductions help ensure that these hard working pioneers did not do their work in vain, but they are being remembered and recognized for their efforts."

Continue reading "Tejano ROOTS: Rosita, Emilio, Dos Gs among HoF inductees" »

Filed 18 de Noviembre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

HOUSTON- Last year it was Juan Luis Guerra who grabbed the lion's share of Latin Grammys. This year it was Colombian singer/songwriter Juanes, who took several awards including album, song and best male pop vocal album.

Juanes wins the night's most Latin Grammys.
(Source: Reuters)

The 2008 Latin Grammys started off with a blast Thursday night as Juanes teamed up with rocker John Legend to open the show at the Toyota Center.

Early winners included Kany Garcia, Juanes, Vicente Fernandez and Emilio.

The opening numbers were high energy but also full of reflective lyrics as Juanes and Legend implored music fans everywhere to listen and act responsibility.

Emilio's brother Raul was present to accept the award for Emilio for best Tejano album, and he had a simple message when he walked up to the podium in a black suit, – up with Emilio and up with Texas:
"De parte de me hermano, Emilio Navaira, que viva diosita, que viva Tejas," he said to rousing cheers.
("On behalf of my brother, Emilio Navaira, long live God, long live Texas," he said to rousing cheers.)

It was a night full of stars…

Continue reading "Top Latin Grammy winners: Juanes, Vicente, Kany, Emilio" »

Filed 14 de Noviembre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

SAN ANTONIO -- Tex-Mex pioneer Dimas Garza, who was one of the early singers for the famed Royal Jesters, died of a heart attack Wednesday. He was 68.

Dimas Garza

According to family friends, Garza had just had surgery for a hernia on Tuesday but was already home recovering. Funeral details are pending.

Henry Hernandez, a co-founder of the Royal Jesters was a Lanier High School classmate of Dimas Garza.

"I always admired him, for his voice, he had a raspy, soulful style," said Hernandez. "In that respect, I kind of looked up to him. Before he even joined the Jesters I liked his group, the Lyrics."

Almost a half century ago, the Royal Jesters were the kings of the American Southwest. They became a seminal force in Tejano history and pop music in Texas.

The Royal Jesters came together in 1956 at Lanier High School where Oscar Lawson and his group the Dukes, were serious fans of the Mexican trios like Los Panchos. Another school mate Henry Hernandez and his band the 5 Angels, were also hardcore music fans but their heroes were doo wop groups like the Moonglows. The two groups merged as the Five Young Ones. Two years later, the group renamed itself the Royal Jesters.

The Jesters first hits were in English pop including "We Go Together," "My Angel of Love" and "That Girl" that entered the Billboard Pop charts. Then by the 1970s, the group ventured into Chicano (now Tejano) music with the hits "Soy Chicano" and "Chicanita."

Jaime Martínez, founder of the Cesar Chavez March for Justice and a trumpet player with the Sunglows, said he had fond memories of Dimas Garza.

"About two weeks ago I was with him. He took me back to the 1963-66 era when we received an award at the Avenida Guadalupe for being Chicano Legends," said Martinez. "The awards honored oldies Chicanos who made an impact not only in SA but throughout the country. Dimas Garza's music was original and he wrote his music. I played with him and later I got him into DelTones.

"He comes out of Lanier High School, a lot of good talent there. He was a good spirit, a good songwriter and singer. He is an original."

"Dimas Garza was liked by everyone because he was a positive person," said singer George Rivas, who was shocked when he heard the news. "He was the one that always encouraged us, always making sure that we did good."

Rivas was a part of the Royal Jesters in 1972.

Dimas "Dino" Garza was born Feb. 24, 1940 in San Antonio and he attended Lanier High School.

According to his son, Dimas Garza Jr., throughout his career Dimas Garza had recorded with several bands including Dino & the Deltones and the Sunglows. He also had his own group the Lyrics but he is mostly known for his tenure with the Royal Jesters in the '60s and '70s.

Mike Pedraza was the group's first lead singer but he was replaced by Dimas Garza. Through the years a host of Central Texas talent joined the group including such names as Joe Posada, Joe Jama Perales, George Rivas, and David Marez.

Dimas Garza was also part of the late '90s CD, "The Royal Jesters Tribute," on the BMG US Latin label that included their hits such as "Yo Soy Chicano," "Me Voy Pa Houston," "We Go Together," and "Carino Nuevo." The CD also included renditions of other hits such as Rene y Rene's "Angelito," Sunny Ozuna's "Reina de Mi Amor," Joe Bravos' "Que Casualidad," Lisa Lopez's "Si Quieres Verme Llorar," and Isidro Lopez's "Besame y Olvidame."

Royal Jesters trivia:

Few people know the Royal Jesters had a hand in the birth of the Tejano Music Awards.

After the Royal Jesters split, Lawson stayed in the music business, creating the Texas Talent Musicians Association with the late booking agent Albert Esquivel. In 1979, Lawson sold the enterprise to Latin Breed saxophone player Gilbert Escobedo.

Escobedo then recruited Lanier High School art teacher Rudy Trevino and the men organized what became the first Tejano Music Awards in 1980.

To finish reading the latest news in the Latin music industry, go to Ramiro's Latin Notes.

Filed 13 de Noviembre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

Pioneer artists Los Tigres del Norte, Mariachi Vargas, and Banda El Recodo were among the new batch of artists announced as performing at the 2008 Latin Grammys scheduled Nov. 13 in Houston's Toyota Center.

Los Tigres del Norte

The lineup of the Latin music world superstars is long and impressive and also includes Vikki Carr, Flex, David Lee Garza, Belinda, Juanes, Café Tacuba, Olga Tañón. Julieta Venegas, Kany García, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Alejandrá Guzman, Rosario, Jorge Celadon, Tommy Tores, Fonseca, Lupillo Rivera, Jenni Rivera, Michael Salgado, Jimmy Zambrano, and Emilio Zuelta.

The fact that the Latin Grammys are taking place for the first time outside of international national media centers such as Los Angeles or Miami is significant to the Southwest for several reasons says Latin Recording Academy President Gabriel Abaroa.

For one, it signals that regional Mexican music is just as important as pop or tropical/salsa genre.

"It means that Houston is a major player and that the Latin Grammys are taking place there means many opportunities are opening up for many artists," Abaroa said. "It helps put the spotlight on many regional Mexican styles like Tejano, conjunto, norteno."

Many of the performers are also nominated in various categories. Los Tigres Del Norte are up for Best Norteño Album ("Raíces") while Jenni Rivera is nominated for Best Ranchero Album ("La Diva En Vivo!"). Also, Fonseca has a nod for Best Contemporary Tropical Album ("Gratitud"), Banda El Recodo is nominated for Best Banda Album ("Que Bonito...¡Es Lo Bonito!"). Jorge Celedón is up for Best Tropical Song ("Me Vio Llorar"), Tommy Torres has a nod for Best Singer-Songwriter Album ("Tarde O Temprano"). And Emiliano Zuleta is nominated for Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album ("Palabra De Honor").

The 9th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will be broadcast on the Univision Network from 8 - 11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central).

Texas and the U.S.-Mexico border area has a lot of native talent says Houston record promoter Jesse Rodriguez.

"There is a lot of excitement building up to the awards," he said. "There have been and will be several concerts that have been scheduled in the weeks leading up to the actual event. But there are also many unofficial festivals that have also showcased the talent for the area."

The 2008 Latin Grammys could be the biggest music event in the history of the state, at least in terms of national and international coverage. Traditionally, the biggest events in Texas have included Willie Nelson's annual July 4th Picnic and his Farm Aid concerts, as well as the 4-day long SXSW music festival in Austin that attracts attendees as far away as Europe and Asia.

Officials have said the Latin Grammy Awards will be broadcast on the Univision Network to several countries around the world with a potential viewing estimated in the billions.

Grammy producers have scheduled several showcases of regional Mexican artists in this year's Grammy awards. Typically, Latin pop artists have taken the lion's share of primetime exposure not only in the Latin Grammys but in the American Grammys awards shows.

In the first year of the Latin Grammys held in Los Angeles, a heated controversy arose when several regional Mexican artists complained and returned their Latin Grammys because they claimed Latin pop artists had almost exclusive exposure during the primetime awards broadcast.

All of the regional Mexican award categories are typically handed out in both the Latin Grammys and the American Grammys during the awards pre-telecast portion. Since then Grammy officials have worked hard to include more regional Mexican during the primetime telecast. But privately, many regional Mexican artists have complained that by comparison, Latin pop still gets the maximum exposure.

It is ironic because in recent years, industry reports indicate but sales of regional Mexican music outsell both Latin pop and tropical/salsa genres.

Besides the awards ceremonies, officials have also scheduled the presentation of the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards the day before. That list of awardees includes Cheo Feliciano, Vikki Carr, Astrud Gilberto, Angelica Maria, Maria Dolores Pradera, and Estela Raval. In addition, Grammy officials are also presenting Larry Harlow, Simon Diaz and Juanito Marquez with the 2008 Trustees award. Details: www.grammy.com.

Continue reading "2008 Latin Grammys offering precedent-setting exposure to regional Mexican genres" »

Filed 5 de Noviembre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

SAN ANTONIO -- David Lee Garza, Ramiro Herrera, and Joe Posada were among the familiar faces and top winners at the 2008 Academy of Tejano Artists & Musicians (ATAM) Awards held Thursday at Villita Assembly Hall.

The awards, one of the most prestigious in the Southwest, are designed to recognize the most popular artists as determined by members of the academy. The academy's larger goal is to educate and raise public awareness of the excellence and quality of Tejano music.

Ruben Ramos

A special "Special Accordion Tribute" was presented to accordion legend Steve 'Esteban' Jordan who has been quite ill recently. Best bass player award went to the late Roy "Pia" Ramos and Steve Roth. Austin's Ruben Ramos accepted the award on behalf of "my little brother, que en paz descanse.

"It gives me great pleasure and it is a great honor to accept this award on his behalf," Ruben Ramos said.

Best drummer honors went to Richard Solis of the Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends band. "Thank you all so much, to the board of directors, thank you," Solis said. "This event just keeps getter better and better."

Dozens of Tejano artists dressed in suits and glitzy evening gowns wandered the packed hall which was at about 90 percent capacity. Performers included Stefani, Joe Posada, Shelly Lares, Eddie Perez, Eddie Gonzalez, all backed up by the all-star Tejano Academy Band. The event marked the 5th Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians awards.

Yet the spirt of celebration was tempered by the shocking news earlier in the day that pioneer songwriter/record promoter Luis Silva passed away Wednesday night in Dallas.

"It was sad to to hear about Luis Silva's passing," said Jesse Degollado, one of the awards presenters during a pause at the podium. "But as others have said before, his music will be with us forever."

Award officials also showcased a 10-minute audio/video presentation presented by KXTN DJs that featured many of Luis Silva's hits.

Delia Gonzalez, a singer from the '90s group Culturas, was also at the podium to present an award. But before that she talked about her recent kidney transplant, "a transplant that save my life." After she introduced Emma Martinez, the kidney donor, a 10-minute video was screened that explained Gonzalez' long, uncertain journey toward recovery in the kidney transplant program. The entire hall fell silent - you could have heard a pin drop. It was a gut-wrenching, spell-binding moment.

Best keyboard honors went to a very surprised Gabriel Zavala, who's also waiting for treatment after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. "What an honor. First of all thanks to God. It is an honor I didn't expect this at all," said Zavala. "I truthfully, would like to dedicate this to the keyboard player who inspired since I was a chavalon. His name was Jerry de La Rosa, que en pas descanse. Where would we be without Jerry De La Rosa."

Joe Posada was named best horn player, accepting the award from horn pioneer Gilbert Escobedo. "What can I say. Give it up for Gilbert Escobedo, I used to listen to these guys in the Latin Breed," said Posada. "Everybody in the category is a winner. Thank you very much for al the nominees." Complete list follows below.

Brothers Mike and Lee Villarreal of Los Desperadoz served as masters of ceremonies. Los Desperadoz also won best conjunto and vocal group honors.

Ramiro Herrera

The Academy of Tejano Artists & Musicians organization was founded in 2004 by several musicians including Donald Garza, David Lee Garza and Stefani. Like the Grammys, the ATAM is an association of musicians and only musicians, artists, engineers and other music professionals are allowed to join and vote on the awards.

Back in July, the ATAM held their 2008 Fan Fair which featured more than two dozens artists including Grupo Maldad, Ricardo Castillon y La Diferencia, Latin Express, Agnes y Arturo & New Variety Band, Ram Herrera & the Outlaw Band and Los Palominos.

Another touching 10-minute video presentation included nostalgic images and early hits of the pioneer groups Los Fabulosos Cuatro and Los Unicos, who were presented with the Legacy Awards for their lifetime contributions.

To see the complete list of winners from the 5th Annual Tejano Academey Awards and to finish reading the latest news in the Latin music industry, go to Ramiro's Latin Notes.

Filed 29 de Octubre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

SAN ANTONIO -- Ramiro Herrera, Roger Velasquez, David Lee Garza and Joe Posada are among the nominees for the 2008 Academy of Tejano Artists & Musicians Awards, one of the biggest awards in the Southwest.

ATAM logo

The awards, scheduled Thursday at Villita Assembly Hall, are designed to recognize the most popular artists and musicians as determined by members of the academy, whose larger goal is to educate and raise public awareness of the excellence and quality of Tejano music. Tejano music is a folk-based roots hyrid of traditional Mexican cumbias and polkas with modern pop, country and R&B.

More than two dozen of the top Tejano artists are scheduled to perform at the award ceremonies which is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

As part of the ceremonies, officials have also scheduled a "Special Accordion Tribute" to legendary performer Steve 'Esteban' Jordan who has been quite ill recently.

Brothers Mike and Lee Villarreal of Los Desperadoz will serve as masters of ceremonies.

"The ATAM awards are like the Grammys. The musicians vote for the best music, not the public," said Rick Vasquez, bandleader for Bandango.

In the best Conjunto group category, young band Badd Boyz del Valle are up against pioneers such as Albert Zamora, Hometown Boys, Los Aguilares and Los Desperadoz. The complete nominees list follows below.

This year's awards are special this year said ATAM Executive Director Chayo Zaldivar.

'"The Academy of Tejano Artists & Musicians will be celebrating a milestone as this will mark the 5th Annual Tejano Academy Awards," Zaldivar said.

The Academy of Tejano Artists & Musicians organization was founded in 2004 by several musicians including Donald Garza, David Lee Garza and Stefani. Like the Grammys, the ATAM is an association of musicians and only musicians, artists, engineers and other music professionals are allowed to join and vote on the awards.

Back in July, the ATAM held their 2008 Fan Fair which featured more than two dozens artists including Grupo Maldad, Ricardo Castillon y La Diferencia, Latin Express, Agnes y Arturo & New Variety Band, Ram Herrera & the Outlaw Band and Los Palominos.

Several artists are also scheduled to be presented with the Legacy Awards for their lifetime contributions to Tejano music. However, that list has not yet been released.

For ticket information call 210-227-2826.

5th ANNUAL TEJANO ACADEMY AWARDS NOMINEES
1. CONJUNTO - Includes all conjunto groups performing and/or recording with emphasis on bajo sexto and accordion.
A. Albert Zamora B. Badd Boys del Valle C. Hometown Boys D. Los Aguilares E. Los Desperadoz
2. GOSPEL - Includes all performing and/or recording christian groups, conjuntos, orchestras, etc.
A. Gabriel Olveras B. Jimmy Edward C. María Elena D. Paulino Bernal E. Raúl Sánchez
3. GRUPO - Includes all groups performing and/or recording with emphasis on the keyboards and maybe one (1) sax.
A. David Lee Garza B. Joe Posada C. Ram Herrera D. Roger Velasquez E. Stefani Montiel
4. ORCHESTRA - Includes all groups performing and/or recording with emphasis on a horn section.
A. Avizo B. Latin Breed C. Little Joe D. Rick Balderrama E. Rubén Ramos
5. BEST OVERALL CD PROJECT - ALL ELEMENTS
(vocalist(s), musician(s), arrangers, producers, engineer(s), graphics, acknowledgments, concept, design, etc.)
A. "Live Volume II," David Lee Garza B. "Friends & Legends," Joe Posada C. "2007," Ram Herrera D. "Quiero Besarte," Roger Velasquez E. "Music of Joe Barela," Stefani Montiel
6. VOCALIST - MALE
A. David Marez B. Mark Ledesma C. Jay Perez D. Joe Posada E. Ram Herrera
7. VOCALIST - FEMALE
A. Elida Reyna B. Leslie Lugo C. Rebecca Valadez D. Shelly Lares E. Stefani Montiel
8. VOCALIST - GROUP
A. Agnes y Arturo B. DLG y Los Musicales C. Los Desperadoz D. Los Dos Gilbertos E. Tex Maniacs
MUSICIANS - BEST OVERALL
9. ACCORDION:
A. A.J. Castillo B. David Farias C. Joel Guzman D. Ray Diaz DeLeon E. Steve Jordan
10. BAJO SEXTO:
A. Billy O'Rourke B. Eddie Perez C. Juan P. Moreno D. Lee Villarreal E. Max Baca
11. BASS:
A. Pete Garza B. Pete Ojeda C. Richard Garza D. Roy "Pia" Ramos E. Steve Roth
12. DRUMS:
A. Aaron Holler B. Adam Garza C. Armando Aussenac D. Chente Barrera E. Richard Solis
13. GUITAR:
A. Bob Gallarza B. Gilbert Velasquez C. John Cruz D. Tomas Cruz E. Roger Velasquez
14. KEYS:
A. Anthony Hernandez B. Art Guillermo C.Gabriel Zavala D. Mario Ortiz E. Snuhe Aussenac
15. PERCUSSION:
A. A.J. Flores B. Eppi Martinez C. Joey Olivarez D. Jorge Alejandro E. Richard Solis
16. HORN:
A. Al Gomez-Trumpet B. Joe Posada-Tenor Sax C. Lonnie LaLanne-Trumpet D. Rick Balderrama-Trumpet E. Val Maltos-Alto Sax
17. BEST SONGWRITER:
A. Art Guillermo B. Gabriel Zavala C. Joe Posada D. Mike Villarreal E. Roger Velasquez

To finish reading the latest news in the Latin music industry, go to Ramiro's Latin Notes.

Filed 21 de Octubre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

LAREDO -- Mexican rock band Kinky and classic rock group Night Ranger headlined one of the largest festivals along the U.S.-Mexico border here Saturday night.

Officially titled the Ford AutMus Fest, the huge festival was held on the sprawling campus of the Texas A&M International University. The festival also featured Little Joe y La Familia, Nothing More, Jr Castillo, Kristal Blue, Warryor, Kristin Mari and other groups.

Laredo's AutMus Fest showcases top rock, Tex-Mex groups

The university's international academic reach was central to the festival's objective said Orlando Navarro, festival chairman for the Texas A&M University Alumni Association, which has presented the festival for the last few years.

"Music has often been called the international language. and with the university's international allure, we have students from all over," said Navarro. "So we try to book bands that appeal to different groups."

Navarro underscored the importance of international universities such as TAMUI in helping nourish relationships with Mexico and other countries.

The day-long AutMus family festival featured a wide variety, from classic rock and heavy metal to hardcore Tejano and even comedy.

The crowds were light in the early afternoon but by sundown attendance was estimated at about 10,000. The expansive grounds were packed by the time headliner Kinky took the stage. Kinky is currently on a new U.S. tour to promote their latest CD "Barracuda." A daring quintet from Monterrey, Mexico, Kinky showcased their rock-electronica fusions at the festival.

Crowds of students jammed and juked on the expansive grounds by the stage to the sounds of the eight-man group SuperPhat. The group poured through a tight set that included the uptempo tunes "Hustle & Flow" and "Tried and True."

More than 20 food booths were spread out over the campus' north end, offering a variety of tasty treats from fajitas and gorditas to corn on the cob and turkey legs. And children had their fun as well, enjoying a variety of childrens' game and activities and a dozen air castles.

Relaxing by the Brontosaurus Rib Booths, glass sketch artist Angel Rivera said the diversity of talent was the main attraction. "There's such a huge selection of bands here, it seems you have a little something for everyone," Rivera said. "And the weather is perfect. They picked a great time of the year."

Proceeds from the festival will go to the TAMUI alumni association's scholarship funds.

"Ford is very much into education," said Mike Cortez, spokesman for the Ford Motor Company, the festival's title sponsor. "Helping provide education to our children is important because the children represent the future."

"The main drive is to raise scholarships funds," said Fernando Morales, TAMIU alumni association president at the festival news conference Friday at La Posada.

Title sponsors included Miller Beer, Border Medi, Big Red/Coca Cola, La Posada, Allstate, KGNS-TV, Pocket Communications, IBC Bank, CP&L, HEB, Gibson Guitars, Elmo Lopez Music Stores and UETA.

To finish reading the latest news in the Latin music industry, go to Ramiro's Latin Notes.

Filed 13 de Octubre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

It's always a risk when a new group tries a new approach but Los Famosos Del Norte accordionist Enrique "Kike" Carvajal says their fans were ready for something new like their debut CD "La Leyenda De Emiliano Carranza, El Más Temido."

"We think the crowds at our shows have been waiting for something new," said Carvajal in a recent interview. "Sometimes music fans get tired of the same old, same old."

So what is Los Famosos new approach?

A CD concept that chronicles the life of Emilio Carranza, a notorious drug runner whose Robin Hood-styled adventures endeared him to many followers. The CD, released on the new label Rize High, features 10 songs, all relate the various chapters in Carranza's life.

Song titles such as "Quien Dijo que es Pecado" and "Llego a Trunfar."

While all-corrido albums are not new, it is indeed rare for a new group to record an entire album around one corrido legend, without the standard 1-2 covers.

The radical approach is beginning to work.

The first single "Quiero Ahogar Mis Penas," has begun climbing regional charts along the Southwest.

According to Carvajal, Carranza was a notable figure who also came from his own Mexican home state, Sonora.

"Carranza was from the small town of Magdalena, and his father was killed by the drug traffickers who killed his father," he said.

The single "Quiero Ahogar Mis Penas," is a typical corrido, moderate-paced and fueled by the steady
accordion and bajo sexto tandem. Also adding allure is the vocal harmonies of singers Juan Carlos Alvarez and Leon Vargas. Rounding out the group is Eduardo "Lalo" Torres on drums.

Los Famosos are among the latest groups to emerge in the norteño corrido field. Corridos are storysongs that tell stories of famous heroes and villains, from the Mexican Revolution earlier times to modern-day drug-runners and cartel bosses.

All the songs of what the group calls "Corri-discos," were written by Carvajal and songwriters Byron Brizuela and Cecilia Brizuela.

"We were drawn to this guy because of his life, his 'Scarface'-style rise to power," Carvajal said.

The corridos in the album detail Carranza's emergence as a major figure both in Mexico and in the United States.

"In the end, Carranza goes back to his hometown and he gets rid of all the drug gangs," Carvajal said.

Despite the risks of their unconventional approach Carvajal said the project was worth it.

"What was so satisfying was when we first went to radio stations and they are playing the corrido single," he said. "We were getting calls from listeners saying how they liked the sound and the lyrics. I thought that was a really good sign."

Los Famosos' signature sound is traditional acoustic norteño, folk-based with direct lyrics.

Not surprisingly, the band's major influences include hardcore norteño artists such as Ramon Ayala, Carlos y José, and Cornelio Reyna.

The Los Angeles-based band is currently on a West Coast tour. More details can be found at Los Famosos Del Norte website and the band's MySpace page.

To finish reading the latest news in the Latin music industry, go to Ramiro's Latin Notes.

Filed 9 de Octubre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By RAMIRO BURR

Cheo Feliciano, Vikki Carr and Astrud Gilberto were among the recipients announced for the 2008 Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The Lifetime Achievement honors will be presented on Nov. 12, 2008, a day before the Latin Grammys scheduled at Houston's Toyota Center. The Latin Grammy ceremony will be a historic event, marking the first time a Grammy award show is held in Texas.

The other Lifetime Achievement recipients are Angelica Maria, Maria Dolores Pradera, and Estela Raval. In addition, Grammy officials are also presenting Larry Harlow, Simon Diaz and Juanito Marquez with the 2008 Trustees award.

"This is a diverse group of honorees that represent the vivid history, rich diversity and true foundation of Latin music," said Gabriel Abaroa, President of The Latin Recording Academy. "Their legendary passion and artistry has spanned many decades across many countries, illustrating the prominence and importance of Latin music globally. The Board of Trustees of The Latin Recording Academy is honored to pay homage to these creative and innovative visionaries who have made prolific contributions to Latin culture."

In addition, Grammy officials are also presenting a series of their signature Street Parties in different cities.

"We are proud to continue celebrating the road to Latin music's hottest night with the Latin Grammy Street Parties," said Abaroa."These festivals allow us to create a bond between music lovers and the Latin Grammys, through the power of music, and the talented artists that make an impression along the way."

In Houston, officials are scheduling a weekly concert series throughout the city to help create awareness and excitement in the first ever Grammy show to be held in Houston.

Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards are chosen based on their creative contributions and body of work produced during their lifetime.

Puerto Rico's Cheo Feliciano began carving out a career as a distinctive salsa singer in the 1960s, scoring hits such as "El Ratón" and "A La Seis." Feliciano was known for fusing blues, bolero, and R&B singing styles.

In a span of four decades, Carr has recorded more than 60 albums in various genres, including pop, jazz, country and boleros. She has also performed on the big screen and on stage and has won three Grammys.

Astrud Gilberto is a Brazilian bossa nova singer who first shot to the top with the unforgettable hit, "The Girl From Ipanema." Her other hits include "Insensatez" and "Corcovado." Mexican pop singer Angélica Maríafirst made a name singing boleros and later scored in with a couple of rock en Español hits. She has also enjoyed a career as an actress on TV, stage and films.

To finish reading the latest news in the Latin music industry, go to Ramiro's Latin Notes.

Filed 1 de Octubre, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)