Tejano Roots: Mi Unico Camino

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Just as the conjunto genre was entering its second golden age in the mid-'50s, El Conjunto Bernal arose with their distinctive sound incorporating twin accordions and beautiful two- and three-part vocal harmonies. The Bernal brothers--Eloy on bajo sexto and Paulino on accordion--pushed the boundaries of conjunto music, which was previously considered only unsophisticated barroom music. One need only listen to the gorgeous vocal harmonies on the title track about a relationship gone south. What make the song work are the blues-drenched lyrics of finding the light in a dark tunnel. Similar themes are explored in the bolero "Desprecio" and in "Mujer Paseada." But these songs are not all brooding tales of broken hearts. Hope and inspiring love are covered in "Sera Imposible" and the sweet "Maria Bonita," a classic bolero by one of Mexico's best-known composers--Agustin Lara. --Ramiro Burr

Tracks:

Mi Unico Camino
Neto's Polka
Las Palabras Del Amor
Loretta Polka
Sera Imposible
Mi Borrachera
Ballroom Polka
Destino Cruel
Al Fin Mujer
Pa' Que Me Hago Ilusiones
Si Acaso Vuelves
Hoy No Es Ayer
Desprecio
Mujer Paseada
Fidel Castro
Melodias Mexicanas
Quien Te Lo Dijo
Azul Cielo
Caminito De Rieles
Connie
Maria Bonita
Al Regresar
Sentimiento Y Rencor
La Chuparrasa

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Just as the conjunto genre was entering its second golden age in the mid-'50s, El Conjunto Bernal arose with their distinctive sound incorporating twin accordions and beautiful two- and three-part vocal harmonies. The Bernal brothers--Eloy on bajo sexto and Paulino on accordion--pushed the boundaries of conjunto music, which was previously considered only unsophisticated barroom music. One need only listen to the gorgeous vocal harmonies on the title track about a relationship gone south. What make the song work are the blues-drenched lyrics of finding the light in a dark tunnel. Similar themes are explored in the bolero "Desprecio" and in "Mujer Paseada." But these songs are not all brooding tales of broken hearts. Hope and inspiring love are covered in "Sera Imposible" and the sweet "Maria Bonita," a classic bolero by one of Mexico's best-known composers--Agustin Lara. --Ramiro Burr

Customer Reviews:

the best of all tejano music!.......2000-03-09

THE MUSIC ON THIS CD WAS THE VERY BEGINNING OF WHAT WE CALL NOW "TEJANO" AND "LA ONDA". THEIR STYLE OF SINGING WAS SO FAR AHEAD OF THEIR TIME. NO OTHER CONJUNTO HAS COME CLOSE TO THEM. BORN IN CALIFORNIA AND RAISED IN THE TEX-MEX MUSIC ALL MY LIFE....

Great sound and harmony.......1999-04-09

I enjoyed listening to the great sound and harmony of one of the greatest conjunto that ever played accordion music.

Great early Conjunto Bernal compilation.......1999-03-05

Good selection of polkas, boleros, and rancheras from the greatest conjunto of all time.

World Music: