Mexico's Pioneer Mariachis, Vol. 1: Mariachi Coculense "Rodriguez" De Cirilo Marmolejo 1926-1936

Mariachi is a genre of regional Mexican music that dates from the 18th century. Originally considered a rural music, mariachi gradually evolved into an urban form. The musical style eventually began to take on national prominence in the first half of the 20th century with the introduction of records and radio. Early mariachi bands were composed of violins and guitars. Over time, bands added a horn instrument to the music; by the 1930s, they were including a trumpet in the stringed ensemble. Mariachi bands also began wearing charro outfits to identify with the music more closely. In 2011, mariachi was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In 1993, Arhoolie Records issued several anthologies of early mariachi bands. Volume 1 features the music of Mariachi Coculense de Cirilo Marmolejo, a band that played and recorded in the 1920s and ʼ30s. In the 1920s, the band was invited to perform in Mexico City at political events and social affairs. This exposure led to their appearance in the U.S. at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. They became the first mariachi to record in the U.S. (tracks 112, 113, and 114). The final four selections of volume 1 are recordings by Cuarteto Coculense, a mariachi band from the early 20th century.