Mi Historia

One of the world's best mariachi groups presents its best talents--excellent musicianship, superb ensemble playing, and solid material--on this 12-song collection of traditional Mexicansonesandhuapangos. From the crisply played "Son de la Negra," with its tension-filled violin strings, to the fun-filledcumbia"Las Copetonas," this CD sparkles with the energy and verve of world-class mariachis. On "Violin Huapango" the string players lay down increasingly sharp-edged strains leading up to an intricate tradeoff with the horns. But all is not serious work here. "El Mariachi Loco" rings with foot-stomping rhythms and sing-along-though-absurd lyrics about a party-mad mariachi, while "El Becerro" pokes fun at sheep. And while "El Querreque" and "Violin Huapango" have minimal lyrics, these are actual instrumental workouts, aimed at putting on display Mariachi Vargas' amazing speed and dexterity. --Ramiro Burr