ELISEO ROBLES - MI GOLONDRINA (VIDEO OFICIAL)

During this period of time of developing this blog, I have acquire more knowledge than I thought I would. I was able to identify the founding roots of where and how norteno music was developed; and how specific instruments came to be a major part of this regional music. The norteno genre developed from a combination of Spanish, Mexican, and European influences. Where the accordion was brought to Mexico from Europe by Polish and Germanic immigrants, becoming a notable instrument in the norteno genre. Right after the accordion, the bajo sexto is another primary instrument of norteno. You also have the saxophone which tends to be a less traditional instrument used in musica nortena and more commonly heard in more modern songs. Following the saxophone is the drum set that was also introduced to this genre via rock n' roll; all in which each instrument adds a unique tone to this special regional music listened throughout the world. It amuses me to know friends who do not have Mexican descents, who listen to this genre. I am proud of my descents and the cultural we carry; which of course musica nortena plays a big role in. I went ahead and posted a song that I truly enjoy (an older form of norteno musica) that also reminds me a lot of my childhood. These were the type of music both my parents would play, especially at parties !     

These videos were presumably recorded at an event called Picolandia also known as jaripeos, on July 16th from 6p.m.- 1a.m. These events are held at the Sports Arena Drive in Pico Rivera, CA (Los Angeles.) On July 16th Picolandia hosted their summer fest event where it contained 5 Bandas, 5 Nortenos, and 5 Tamborazos. Typically jaripeos are held at arenas in which spectators watch charreria consisting of horses, bulls and calves being ridden or lassoed (rodeo), there is also food and alcohol stands, raffles, regional music and bands. On the last video you are able to witness someo known dance steps pertained to regional music (of course there is more to it.) 

This last video ft. my sister and father, was taken at my house in El Cajon, CA, where we hosted a surprise, graduation party for my sister. She had recently graduated from Midland University, located in Fremont, Nebraska, where she had received a full-ride scholarship; due to Soccer and her good grades. The year where everyone experienced hardship due to COVID19, my sister had a breakthrough moment with her Bachelors Degree; and of course we had to celebrate such a moment. On 4th of July, 2020 we hosted her surprise party where I had the privilege to contract a norteno named La Escuela Nueva (some good friends of mine group.) You guys are able to find them on Instagram under: @grupolaescuelanueva, and are also able to contract them for any special occasion.  

                  Norteno Music: People's Culture

                                                                Bob Norman

September 25, 2007

                                   https://nacla.org/article/norteno-music-people%27s-culture

     Many national issues are constantly being shinned light upon, in efforts of bringing national attention to oppressive and exploitative conditions, under which Chicano/Mexicano people work and live. Many of the struggles encouraged the grow of a politically-conscious culture in the southwest, while giving life to cultural tradition; revealing a history of pride and resistance. The flourished culture has been captured through norteno music, in which many relating stories, struggles and issues tend to be the rooting heart of this genre. The European immigrants also had an influence on this distinct regional music.   

    The first wide-spread, recorded documentation was released by Arhoolie Records, a small, folk music label that was based in California; forming a five-volume record set that collects and chronicles a broad spectacle of commercial recordings of norteno music between 1930 and 1960. The distinct regional music heavily represented the working people, the field hands that nourish the agriculture life, the Chicanos, the raza, the ones who struggled in the Anglo world. It gave a voice to Chicanos, a way that they were able to express the oppressive life they lived, a chance to tell their stories.  

    All the volumes carried a set of series that formed a story timeline, where all play a significant importance to its contribution of this regional music. Volume I is an introduction to the varied musical styles founded. Volume 2 and 3 are composed of Corridos-long ballads recounting incidents of opprobrium (something that many were able to correlate to; making it such a powerful genre.) They are generally performed by male duets and are sung in a florid style, in close harmony, describing events in a detailed poetic fashion; where musical historical richness and timeliness are most evident. 

     Volume 4 and 5 are mainly devoted to dance music and lyric songs. Opposed from volume 2 and 3, where hardships and reprehensible acts were extensively dissected, volume 4 and 5 shared and expressed the spirit and warmth within the Chicano community. Subjectively, this genre is values the struggle to maintain the Mexicano identity in the face of Anglo domination. Volume 4 heavily incorporated the accordion ( an instrument introduced by German and Bohemian settlers) where it was profoundly developed into this distinct regional music. Volume 5 contained recordings by string bands that flourished, along the border, until the 1940s. 

    Not only is norteno music used for pleasurable use such as singing and dancing but it is also a way Chicanos are able to feel empowered and understood. Songs were true to their roots and had a lot of significance to them, because not only did they express an oppressed and exploited nation (political realities) but they also profoundly expressed the gratitude spirit, and hopefulness the Chicano community carried. Norteno music was a voice that many could not seek within themselves. 

(Norteña) Mexican Music with German roots

HISTORY

   

        Growing up in a Mexican household, I would explicitly remember waking up on Sunday mornings to vibrant music and order from my parents, to begin cleaning the house. Typically, we would listen to a variety of genres and one of them was Norteno music. My mother danced in between the process of cleaning, and often pulled my siblings or myself to join her (;that is where I acquired my dancing skills.) Up until today we continue to listen to the developed form of Nortenos and of course some of the more original, forms of it. 

        Norteno music is named for its northern Mexican birthplace; in the 19th century when Maximilian I brought music from Europe to Mexico. Norteno music developed from a blend on Mexican and Spanish oral and musical traditions as well as Germanic musical styles such as Polka (folk music) and Waltz. Nortenos are known to be formed by small groups, also known as conjuntos. Some of the instruments used to orchestrate the unique sound is the drum set, guitar and bass, and sometimes the saxophone (depending on the origin developed.) Traditional Nortenos most characteristic instruments are the accordion and the bajo sexto; what forms the most unique sound acquired. Norteno also has many different regional styles that generate through different parts of the world, including the United States. I myself, tend to listen to these various styles that have been acquired and find every single form of Norteno cultivating. 

Topic of Study

My research topic will revolve around the study of music, specifically to Nortenos. The choice in my topic resonates to the kind of music I grew up listening to as a child.  My family comes from a Mexican background and I would love to share my roots through this study. I also share a passion for this type of music and the dance that compliments it. With this study you will discover and understand the essence within this category of music.