Texicana Mamas – “Viva la Patria”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 6 

Pairs Well With… Selena Quintanilla Perez, Lydia Mendoza, Gloria Estefan

This is a truly special supergroup.  Texicana Mamas is comprised of three of the most celebrated Latina musicians in Texas - Tish Hinojosa, Stephanie Urbina Jones and Patricia Vonne.  Separately their musical influences include folk, conjunto, Americana, flamenco, country, Tex-Mex rock ‘n’ roll, mariachi, the corrido and norteño traditions, and Lone Star country-rock. They have joined together for now to be musical ambassadors for their shared heritage, and from the videos of their recent live show, just to have some fun together.  And for those who need some help with these different styles of Tejano music, here goes. Today, a conjunto band is composed the button accordion, bajo sexto, electric bass, and a drum set and grew out of working class dance halls.  Flamenco, which originated in Spain but is very popular in Mexico (and Japan), leans on the interplay between vocals and guitar within a more formal structure and format.  Mariachi is an ensemble that consists of guitarrón, vihuela, guitar, violins and trumpets. Corrido refers to a narrative song/poetry, often about oppression, history, the daily life for peasants, and other socially relevant topics. And finally, norteño is a genre from Northern Mexico most often based on polka or waltz tempos with accordion, bajo sexto, electric bass, drums, congas, and saxophone.  Got all that? Don’t worry, there won’t be a test.  Just come to one of their shows and get swept up in these traditions and the seductive voices of these accomplished performers and musicians. (David Zlotnick)