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