Mexico's Pioneer Mariachis, Vol.2: Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo: El Auténtico

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 2 features the music of Mariachi Tapatio de Jose Marmolejo. From the mid-1930s to the mid-1940s, Mariachi Tapatio was one of Mexico’s premier mariachi bands. Jose Marmolejo, who led the band on Mexican vihuela, got his start playing in his uncle’s band Mariachi Coculense de Cirilo Marmolejo. Following the band’s return from the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago, Jose formed his own band, Mariachi Tapatio. On trumpet the band featured Jesus Salazar, who is considered by some to be the “father” of the mariachi trumpet. Mariachi Tapatio performed until disbanding in 1968.

Track Listing

101	La Negra	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:04
102	De Mañana En Adelante	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:10
103	Guadalajara	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:15
104	El Pajaro Cardenal	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:11
105	Ando Tomando	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:17
106	El Mariachi	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:16
107	Las Copetonas	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:19
108	El Ranchero	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:09
109	El Pasajero	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:16
110	Mis Pulgas	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:09
111	El Borracho	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:16
112	El Zopilote Mojado	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:10
113	La Rosita	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:14
114	Me Voy Para El Norte	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:06
115	El Tirador	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:00
116	La Primavera	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	02:41
117	El Distinguido	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:14
118	La Carrera	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:21
119	La Modesta	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:26
120	El Carretero	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	02:33
121	El Jabali	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:22
122	La Mariquita	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	02:53
123	Mi Tierra	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:16
124	El Capulinero	Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo	03:14