Album Notes

In 1924 Jose Arias was invited to participate in the Ramona Pageant by Garnet Holme (Director and Producer)and to bring his ensemble of Musicians, Singers and Dancers. The original group included his brother-in-law Antonio Corral and every year since then the Arias/Corral family have been the musicians, singers and dancers for the play and this year the group now includes the fourth-generation.
In 1915 on the occasion of the Panama -California Exposition in San Diego, Ca. Jose Arias founded the Arias Troubadours not only to entertain audiences but to continue the traditions and influences of music in early California. The lifestyle of the fun-filled gatherings and hospitality of the founding families of early California are brought forth in the informal melodies of the Arias Troubadours.

Although California is rich in history, few are aware of its beginning which led up to the Gold Rush of 1849. Until this population-boom came, the life styles were formed as ranchos and their social gatherings took place in the haciendas which were at far distances since many ranchos were 50,000 acres and larger. A few days journey were required so the visits were on special occasions and for days at a time. Of course these fiestas were a time for everyone to gather to socialize, sing and dance with the music inspired by their different cultural backgrounds. In the early days of California the residents were from many lands such as Spain and other European countries including France, Austria, Ireland and Poland and of course step-mother Mexico.
In the description of early California music, Journalist and Folklorist Charles F. Loomis said "There were songs of the soil and songs of poets and of troubadours in this far, lone, beautiful, happy land."
It has been decades since this music has been recorded and some of this music has never been recorded.
As a special feature we are fortunate to have recovered a recording made in 1981 performed by Mauricio Jara, The feature actor as Alessandro and then director for years of the Ramona Pageant. Of course the song is Ramona.
We hope you enjoy this music – The Arias Troubadours.