A very good sample of Mexican-regional music
02/04/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When Juan Gabriel met Rocio Durcan in 1976, he never imagined that she would be a smash hit world wide, especially in Mexico. This is the second set of recordings that Juan Gabriel exclusively wrote for the multi-talented singer. Dating from 1978 and 1979, these recordings change the way regional music was arranged, written and produced. Accompanied by Arturo Mendoza's mariachi Los Vargas, these recordings were a fresh mixture of a new accent (a Spanish, not Mexican voice, new rhythms and sophiticated lyrics) and old Mexican traditions. This was one of the first few recordings that included both urban and rural rhythms such as Boleros (track 2), Rancheras (tracks 3, 6 and 9), Corridos (tracks 4, 5, 8 and 10) as well as Huapangos (tracks 1 and 7). As a result of these recordings Durcal was regarded as an ambassador that brought a piece of Mexican culture to countries such as France, Turkey and the Soviet Republic. These recordings are considered classic work remembered with pride and admiration."