Here's some highlights from a gig we did in Arkansas over the summer.
It was a very far drive from Dallas, on a very hot day. But the club treated of well and provided great accommodations, sound and lights. We played lots of norteña (Mexican polka) huagango (6/8) banda, and cumbia. Probaly not anyone's on this forums cup of tea, but I thought some maybe interested in an arranger KB used in conjunction with a live drummer.... It all worked fine but If I had to do this gig again maybe I would've just done "live" LH bass.

Anyways, the line up is mostly "familia": Wife on vocals, newphews on accordion and guitar and a dear old college friend on drums. Enjoy!

excellent Thanx for sharing!

Excellent mi amigo! I lived in El Dorado for ten years. For a relatively small town, there is always something going on. It is the headquarters for Murphy Oil Corporation, where I was once Advertising and Public Relations Manager.

You had to pass right through Texarkana to get there unless you went by air. (My old stomping grounds!) I agree with Don and Donny, great work. When I was in my teens, I would listen to the powerful radio stations in Mexico... mostly Rancho music and I enjoyed it so much. My brother came in late one evening from work, asked me to turn off the radio so he could sleep. I refused! He modified my nose with one punch. I turned the radio off before I took my nose-bleed to the shower. Seems like yesterday. I still enjoy Rancho music... and Latin Genre to this day.

----Dave

Great stuff, Paul ...
Thank you

I simply love this kind of music, make me feel happy! 🎵🎵🎵🎵
Reminds me of Texas Tornados (Doug Sahm and Augie Meyers), Freddy Fender as well.
Also Ry Cooder's album Chicken Skin Music is a favourite in same genre.

Thank you for sharing, lots of memories came back to me while listen.

👍👌

Yes, I agree that it is happy, cheerful music! In my region, it is not uncommon that young people blast this type of music from their cars and it's the only kind of music that doesn't bother me at such a high volume.

Now Mountainman, I understand that when the German immigrants brought their diatonic accordions over to Texas, Obviously they had a musical influence on the locals. Do you know why Norteno/Conjunto is slower in tempo than German polka? The answer is rather amusing (no racial connotation), but I will let you take a crack at it.

Chris

Love it.....It makes Me want to get up and Dance! (I'm 71)...The World needs to be more Happy and fun with all the Trash that's going on....Thank You So Much....Sincerely Harold

That an interesting point, Harold. I notice that with this type of music the very young , the old folks, and everyone in between has fun and enjoys this music. It's not uncommon to see the little kids running around the dance floor, with the teens thorough the elderly dancing. It a common shared cultural experience that crosses generational divide.

Yes, European music traditions and migrants has had a big influence on Mexican and Tejano music, as can be heard in the polka based rhythms and the use of accordion. In my neighborhood too, we hear these sounds everywhere. An accordion is a very common sight around these parts. Our SZ friend Chas maybe would hate Texas!

Oh, and why is the Mexican polka slower than the German polka? Sounds like some sort of joke!