Mexico's Pioneer Mariachis, Vol. 3: Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán: Their First Recordings 1937-1947

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 began to add a horn instrument to the music. By the 1930s, bands began adding a trumpet to the stringed ensemble. Mariachi bands 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 released several anthologies of early mariachi bands. Volume 3 features the music of Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán. Founded in 1897 by Gaspar Vargas, Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán is still performing in the 21st century. Under the direction of Gaspar's son Silvestre, the band won several mariachi contests in 1933 and 1934. The band was subsequently invited to play at the inauguration of Mexican President Lázaro Cárdenas. The band remained in Mexico City for the next 20 years. To successfully compete with the other premier mariachi bands in Mexico City, Silvestre ensured that the band was rehearsed, sober, and showed up on time for performances. Their first recordings occurred in 1937, followed by appearances in Mexican movies. By the end of the 1930s, Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán was one of the most popular mariachi bands in Mexico. This collection is representative of their music during this period.

Track Listing

101	El Buque	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	03:11
102	El Tren	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	03:11
103	La Violinera	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:53
104	Serenata Ranchera	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:50
105	Eres La Más Consentida	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:46
106	El Riflero	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:48
107	Lupita	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	03:17
108	El Jilguerillo	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	03:06
109	El Mariachi	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	03:27
110	Santa Anita	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:43
111	La Vaquilla	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:45
112	Las Alazanas	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:57
113	El Súchil	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:47
114	La Mariquita	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:50
115	El Zopilote Mojado	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:56
116	Sobre La Montaña	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:48
117	El Cuervo	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:59
118	El Calero	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:37
119	El Toro Viejo	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	03:18
120	El Jarabe Tapatío (Mexican Hat Dance)	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:20
121	El Amigo	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:59
122	El Gavilancillo	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:56
123	El Cihualteco	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	03:04
124	Camino Real De Colima	Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán	02:43