New book probes the groundswell of mariachi music
Tucson Citizen
April 24, 2003
The first English-language book on the mariachi phenomenon, "Virtuoso Mariachi" (2002 University Press of America), by Tucson-born educator/performer Jeff Nevin is out, and while it has some shortcomings, Nevin makes many powerful insights.The 260-page book, with optional CD of recorded examples, takes an in-depth look at trumpet style in particular and the developing aesthetics of a range of today's top mariachis.Nevin focuses on what he calls the "virtuoso mariachis" - the top-ranked recording artists such as Mariachi Vargas, Sol de Mexico, Cobre, Los Camperos de Nati Cano, etc. - whose recordings, broadcasts and live performances have become the model for all performing mariachis today. His premise is that these artists have elevated the mariachi folk tradition to the level of high art in the way that symphonic music elevated European folk music to that higher plateau. The subject of the common mariachis that most of us encounter at weddings, fiestas, family gatherings, etc., is not touched upon, though University of Arizona sociology professor Celestino Fernandez is at work on a more comprehensive book that will focus on that tradition as well.Nevin's book uses examples from both the classical and mariachi worlds to illustrate issues of evolving style and aesthetics. As someone who has worked extensively in both the classical and mariachi arenas, Nevin is well qualified for the job.Among his most interesting insights is the division of three of the foremost mariachis along aesthetic lines. Tucson's Mariachi Cobre - one of the headliners at this year's mariachi conference - according to Nevin, has carved a niche for itself by taking the mariachi tradition and polishing it to the point of perfection. By contrast, Mariachi Vargas - largely viewed as the best mariachi on earth - takes what Nevin calls a "revisionist" approach, rethinking the rural folk art to create a new form of art music. And Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez represents the next wave of thinking, incorporating elements of American pop music from swing to rock 'n' roll into the mariachi. He illustrates his ideas convincingly.Though he touches on a bit of the overall history of the art form, that's really not what Nevin is after. He's really about getting into the elements of style, from instrumental phrasing to song style in the myriad sub-genres (ranchera, huapango, polka, pasa doble, corrido, vals, etc.) that fall under the "mariachi" umbrella.Some of it is on the technical side, and the writing style tends toward academia. But in the end, the book highlights less-than-obvious trends and lends insights into what makes a great mariachi. It also invites discussion on where the mariachi might be heading in the years ahead.Grade: A-minus.
