Contrasting early and later recordings by an artist has worked well for Arhoolie with its Norteno series, although the difference in this case is not nearly as drastic as with the Esteban Jordan set. Unlike Jordan, who followed a kind of adventure in modernizing traditional music and bringing in many outside influences, the senior member of the Jimenez clan (not counting grandfather Patricio, a turn of the century accordion star) stuck to the traditions pretty much his entire career. The biggest contrast here turns out to ...
Read More
Contrasting early and later recordings by an artist has worked well for Arhoolie with its Norteno series, although the difference in this case is not nearly as drastic as with the Esteban Jordan set. Unlike Jordan, who followed a kind of adventure in modernizing traditional music and bringing in many outside influences, the senior member of the Jimenez clan (not counting grandfather Patricio, a turn of the century accordion star) stuck to the traditions pretty much his entire career. The biggest contrast here turns out to be in recording quality, a factor that can sometimes make great differences in how one perceives music. The recordings from the '30s are typical of the kind of revolutionary North Texas fusion music of that day and age, in this case the combination being Mexican ranchera songs and German accordion techniques. Although the accordion cuts through any and all primitive recordings, other instruments in the ensemble such as the wonderful bajo sexto are only present in some of their frequencies. On the modern recordings, one hears every nuance in the playing and the complex rhythms set up by secondary sounds, such as strings slapping against soundboards and picks tapping against the fretboard, that combine to create a sound that is tantalizing. The soulful singing and good-natured feeling to the music makes it a pleasure to listen to no matter how much or little of the Spanish lyrics are understandable to the listener. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of First and Last Recordings to cart. $10.82, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Orange County rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Ana, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Arhoolie.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item. Case and cover may or may not have wear or damage. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.
Add this copy of First and Last Recordings to cart. $14.66, very good condition, Sold by SellingTales rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Belvidere, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Arhoolie Records.
