Album Notes

Although the son jarocho is native to the state of Veracruz, Mexico, it has spread beyond its regional borders and is now played by musicians throughout much of Mexico and in parts of the United States. Memebers of Conjunto Hueyapan perform in the tradition of the master musicians who inspired them.

The group's aggressive and complex jarana strumming is based on the mánicos of virtuoso performers from the Boca del Río and Mandinga area near the city of Veracruz. The spectacular lead melodies on the requinto jarocho are rooted in the style created by requinteros such as Lino Chávez and Luis Delfín. The vigorous and syncopated plucking on dual harps reflects the influence of renowned harpists Anrdrés Huesca and Mario Barradas. The intricate percussive footwork represents Conjunto Hueyapan's attempt to incorporate the zapateado into the son not as a separate entity but as an integral part of the performance. The brilliant, colorful lead vocals demonstrate that the jarocho singing style may be elegant and not cease to be authentic, in the manner of Alberto de la Rosa, Rafael Rosas, Toño Rosas and others. Like the master jarocho musicians whom they respect and admire, Conjunto Hueyapan members play the son jarocho for it own sake. To the Herrera family, the son jarocho is an essential element of life and an absolute passion.