Tag Archives: gilbert velasquez

Tejano Music Podcasts to Follow

Posted on July 7, 2021 | Comments Off on Tejano Music Podcasts to Follow

One way to piss me off is telling me that the Tejano music genre is dying. Corporatism tried to give it a knockout punch after exploiting it during the 90s, no doubt, but failed. The Made-in-Texas music genre is alive and thriving on its own. And folks within the industry are talking about it.

My FB friend, Rebecca Valadez, known for her touring work providing background vocals for Janet Jackson and the iterations of Grupo Mazz, as well as an impressive solo career, has taken on a couple of projects. One is her own podcast, which has featured some Tex-Mex greats, as well as folks working in other aspects of our culture. A most informative podcast featured Grammy winning producer Gilbert Velasquez who had a lot to say regarding the future of the genre.

The other podcast is Gibby’s Tejano Round Table, which is hosted by Valadez and Velasquez and brings together a round table of influential folks in the Tejano music genre to discuss the state of Tejano Music, including terrestrial and internet DJs, producers, musicians, and even social media influencers who are keeping the genre alive and kicking.

These are discussions that must be had in other than private surroundings and Valadez and Velasquez are doing the industry a huge favor by putting these discussions out in the open, not just for those who make a living in the industry, but also for the folks who buy the records and attend the dances and concerts. These discussions go beyond entertainer interviews, like those of my favorite Tejano podcast, Behind the Mic with AC Cruz, but they are still pretty entertaining.

One more to add to the list is MARCed Up Live with Marc Martinez. Marc is an accomplished musician who played with legends Joe Posada and Emilio Navaira. His podcast/online show features music and health discussions one might enjoy.

So, for those who want a more in-depth discussion on the Tejano music genre, follow these podcasts mentioned above. There is a lot of music to be heard and enjoyed. And there is a lot of cultura to preserve.

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Posted in 2021, Cultura, DC Promo

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DC Reviews…Chente Barrera ~ Un Nuevo Amor

Posted on January 22, 2016 | Comments Off on DC Reviews…Chente Barrera ~ Un Nuevo Amor

Grammy award winner Chente Barrera is back with his newest full-length release. This time, he’s also turned into a music mogul of sorts after partnering with fellow Grammy winner Gilbert Velasquez and Jorge Marroquin to form VMB Music Group, which released Chente’s new album, Un Nuevo Amor.

The album is Chente’s 9th album in his 17 year solo career. Previously, he was the long-time drummer and backing vocalist for Jay Perez. In 2007, Chente won the Grammy for Best Tejano Performance for his album, Sigue El Taconazo.

The title track was released in 2015 as part of a VMB compilation featuring their artist line-up and has enjoyed some time on the charts and continues to be a fan favorite. With a horn-driven lead-up to some amazing lyrics, Chente delivers this ranchera as only he can.

The lead-off tune, No Me Vuelvo Enamorar, gives us an indication of the direction of the album–Totally Tejano. Or, as Chente tells, “It’s time to get up and get down!” The following tune should also be a radio and fan favorite as Chente teams up with Raulito Navaira on Los Dos Amantes.

Chente has never disappointed on cumbias and  Te Extraño Tanto and Mi Vaquerita will leave fans satisfied and toe-tapping.

Backed by the introductory strumming of a guitar, some acordeon and a horn section, Chente gives us a drinkin’ song in Nada Mas Te Digo Adios. Delivered with all the emotions a song like this should have, Chente makes this song his.

No doubt, Chente and his backing musicians are apt at delivering the ranchera style of Tejano music–whether it’s keyboard, acordeón-, or horn-driven. Ya No Te Aguanto, Solo, Si Tu Te Vas, and Apenas Te Conozco are prime examples of such songs. Solo is my personal favorite with its smooth guitar strumming (Gilbert V), acordeón solo, and it’s beautiful lyrics.

Of course, we’re also provided a treat with the classic, Aunque Mal Paguen Ellas, sung by Chente and Genaro Aguilar of Los Aguilares. Of course, Los Aguilares recently celebrated their 56th Anniversary in the music business.

DosCentavos gives a tip of the sombrero to Chente for this great album, as well as for the six tunes he penned. Get your copy this weekend at Club Area 45 where Chente will be featured along with Boni Mauricio and Tejano crooner Ram Herrera. You can also find it online at VMB Music.

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Posted in 2016, Cultura, Reviews

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DC Review: Ram Herrera ~ Mucho Mas Que Amor

Posted on July 11, 2015 | Comments Off on DC Review: Ram Herrera ~ Mucho Mas Que Amor

ramherrera-muchomasqueamor1I’ve got to admit:  When I read the announcement that Grammy winning producer Gilbert Velasquez and Tejano great Chente Barrera partnered up to form VMB Music Group, I expected them to produce some amazing material, but Ram Herrera’s Mucho Mas Que Amor is one of those productions that has staying power.

What do I mean by staying power? Well, in the case of Ram Herrera, it brings back memories of his ’84 Dancebuster album and some of his 90s hey day productions–tunes that are still popular and make much of the crooner’s repertoire. The Tejano artist who got his start as the frontman for David Lee Garza y Los Musicales and made famous Cuatro Caminos still has the voice decades after hitting it big.

After being on big labels during the 90s hey day, he went through a few indie labels and finally arrived at VBM Music Group. I must say that this new production is among his best–from Track 1 on through to 11.

Kicking off with Eres Mi Todo, a standard ranchera, Herrera sets a foundation for the album–all Tejano. The acordeon-heavy Donde Estara will get one on the dance floor. The first single (and videoDC ) is Dime Si Estoy Loco, with a familiar Ram Herrera cumbia sound and with a pretty awesome guitar break.

With these tunes, the groove for the album is set, and the addition of a ballad (Yo Te Amo), another cumbia (Alejate), a country tune (I Wonder If She’s Still in San Antone), and some pretty powerful rancheras (Los Años being my personal favorite), and Herrera and his musicians knock it out of the park. With the help of some great acordeon and some powerful guitar breaks, Herrera’s latest should be a contender for a Grammy. That said, kudos must go to Grammy winning producer Gilbert Velasquez and VMB.

Yo Te Amo, with its trio style, backed by horns, is a beautiful ballad, while one particular ranchera made famous by Selena Amame Quiereme, was made available to Herrera who makes it his own. Rounding out the tunes are Te Necesito, Angel De Mi Querer, and Porque Dios Mio.

Already in demand, VMB released the album for digital download (I went to CDBaby.com), but it will be available for hard-copy orders on Tuesday, July 14. Get yours today! You will not be disappointed.

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