Chuck Wagon Calhoun with Un Grupo de Mexicali - Tijuaner, Mexico!

Once we here at Big And Tall Records aren't surprised by what we get from our artists, we get a song like this one! We are still in the dark about who this Chuck Wagon Calhoun character is, but his songs are a hoot. Now, he's teamed up with our Mariachi artists Un Grupo de Mexicali in this bit of typical Calhoun tall tale telling. And that's all we know. Un Grupo gave us no clue, and of course Calhoun's lips are sealed about who he is. Un Grupo obviously struck up a good relationship with Calhoun as their part in this song is up to their usually high standards. But we don't know if Chuck Wagon went to Mexico, as Un Grupo have vowed to stay out of the U.S. due to the current political climate, or if Un Grupo were in the states unbeknownst. In any case, the song is up to both the artists standards!

HOLA!
This here's Chuck Wagon Calhoun!
Got a story to tell ye 'bout when I had to
Leave the great state of California
In a....well....right big hurry....
And what happened when I went south to
TIJUANER, MEXICO!
YEE HAW! YA'LL!
 
I rode like hell and made it,
Way down south of the border
And escape some situations
That were a right big disorder
Rode  in the town of Tijuaner and met
Me some real live bandeeters...
And bought them tequiler in the canteener,
That's where I seen the senioriter...
 
She were dancin',  playin' them clackity clack bits!
Dress ruffly, low cut and a showin' her tits!
Spinnin' and a clackin', with the hombres yakkin'
Dress raisin', showin' her under paints gave me fits!
 
One a them thar bandeeters, wearin' a bandelaro,
All raggedly dressed, an' wearin' a great big sombrero...
Noticed me makin' googly eyes and said to me  "Hey Meester!"
Jew like what jew see,  pay me, jew can have my seester!"...
 
She kept dancin' , clickin' them clackity clack bits
Dress ruffly, low cut and a showin' her tits!
Spinnin' and a winkin'  all the hombres drinkin'...
Dress raised  higher , drivin' me  out ma wits!
 
I fer shore fancied her, so I asked him how much it cost?
He said, "I like you, only 22 pesos and you  be boss!
Her name is Sally, take her to  back alley
Best young woman you ever come across!
 
She kept on dancin' ,  I gave him the money
He brought her back , she were callin' me honey
Her brother yelled and swore, she led me out the door
And the others began to laugh...what were so funny?
 
Went out to the  alley and she started kissin' on me
She were firm and young, and really a might pretty!
I was unawares, but then started seein' stars!
And then they was nothing else left to see...
 
Don't know how long it t'wer, I laid out in the sand
Face next to a cow turd, cactus near to  hand
Ma head full of bumps, ma skin covered in lumps
Staggered to ma feet, couldn't hardly stand
 
Finally some federales came ridin' out to help me,
Were 'bout daid, pain ma haid, eyes all red,
Helped me on a horse, gave me food and water
Tol' me "No vuelvas Americano PENDEJO!"
 
Took me a long time to git healed from that.
I vowed I'd swear off women!
Damn, all ma troubles seem to happen
When I git hooked up with one of 'em!
And I really did. ..Swear off 'em...
FER ' BOUT 2 DAYS!
HAHAHA!

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Bajo Este Cielo Azul (Beneath This Blue Sky)

 

A new song from our muchachos in Mexicali, Mexico. A love song Bajo Este Cielo Azul (Under The Blue Sky). The band continues to tour in Mexico and other Latin American countries, but maintains its moratorium on touring the United States.

Te vi llegar tan de repente
Llevabas luz en la mirada
Se hizo pequeño todo el mundo
Cuando rozaste mi palabra
 
No sé decirlo de otra forma
Lo siento limpio en la garganta
Como agua clara de montaña
Que nunca esconde lo que abraza
 
 Bajo este cielo azul
Te juro que mi amor es claro
Como ese sol de julio
Que cae y lo ilumina todo
 
Bajo este cielo azul
No hay sombra que nos tenga miedo
Porque al mirarte tú
Mi corazón se vuelve cielo
 
Your laughter bridges the distance,
And in your silence, I find rest.
There are no conditions, no demands—
Only your hand, no other test
 
If one day you tremble, I will shelter you
With the little that I am.
To love like this is  simple:
To give what I have , as I am
 
Beneath this blue sky,
I swear to you that my love is clear—
Like that July sun
That  illuminates everything far and near
 
Beneath this blue sky,
There is no shadow that we fear
For when I look at you,
My heart itself is true and clear
 
Y si la vida se complica (oh-oh)
Y si el camino pide más (oh-oh)
Mira hacia arriba y no lo olvides
Mi amor brilla en el mismo lugar
 
Bajo este cielo azul
Te juro que mi amor es claro
Como ese sol de julio
Que cae y lo ilumina todo
 
Bajo este cielo azul
No hay sombra que nos tenga miedo
Porque al mirarte tú
Mi corazón se vuelve cielo

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Primer Vals con Papá

The fiesta de quinceañera is a celebration in Latin American countries on the 15th birthday of a female child. It is a passage of her life from childhood to womanhood, and like many Latin American traditions has its roots in the Catholic Church as well as ancient rites of passage of the indigenous people in the area. There also the influence of the Spanish court from the era when Spain held many of the Latin American and South American countries. As the Spanish court held lavish balls, so did the tradition follow that the honoree 15 year olds would wear formal gowns. It is similar to the debutante balls that were popular in the 18th century in Europe and mainly England. Debutante balls still occur in England, and in the U.S. especially the South. 

In earlier times, it signaled the rite of girls to act and dress like a woman. The celebrations were used as an opportunity for girls to meet men as they were considered of marrying age. Modern times have changed the celebration from that, as 15 no longer is considered of marrying age in most areas.

The fiesta de quinceañera is especially prevalent in Mexico and in the U.S. that have hispanic populations. They can be quite lavish, with the young woman dressed in a long formal gown and adorned with lots of jewelry and makeup. The festivities usually begin in the church with a mass of thanksgiving, and followed by a reception where all the guests are seated and the quinceañera makes a grand entrance. A toast is made by the parents or godparents, then the girl is introduced by her father. The first dance, usually a waltz, is danced by the father and the girl. Traditionally girls under 15 were not allowed to dance, so this also symbolizes her coming of age, and in some festivals the dance after the first waltz is quite elaborate and choreographed.

Un Grupo de Mexicali was hired to play and commissioned to compose an original waltz for the first dance for a family in Mexicali, Mexico. They joined forces with an orchestra, and sent a recording to us in a version that includes verses in English for their non-Spanish speaking fans in the U.S.!

Primer vals con papá vida mía

Giro lento no quiero soltar

Se me escapa una lágrima tibia

Mientras creces al compás

Hoy el tiempo se inclina a tus pasos

Y yo vuelvo contigo a empezar

Primer vals con papá luz del alma

Nunca voy a dejarte de amar

First waltz with Papa my darling

A slow turn I don't want to let go

A warm tear escapes me

As to the rhythm you grow

Today time bows to your steps

And I begin again with you

First waltz with Papa light of my soul

I will never stop loving you

 

Hoy te miro y ya no eres niña

Lazo rosa brillo en tu mirar

Tus tacones tiemblan un poquito

Y mi mano te viene a guiar

 

Tu vestido se abre como un sueño

Ríes suave me quieres probar

"¿Bailas conmigo?" me dices traviesa

Y mi mundo se vuelve tu altar

 

Today I look at you, no longer a child

Pink ribbon and a sparkle about you

Your heels tremble just a little

And my hand comes to guide you

 

Your dress flows like a dream

You laugh softly you want to test me

"Will you dance with me?"you ask mischievously

And my world becomes just you and me

 

Primer vals con papá vida mía

Giro lento no quiero soltar

Se me escapa una lágrima tibia

Mientras creces al compás

Hoy el tiempo se inclina a tus pasos

Y yo vuelvo contigo a empezar

Primer vals con papá luz del alma

Nunca voy a dejarte de amar

 

First waltz with Papa my darling

A slow turn I don't want to let go

A warm tear escapes me

As to the rhythm you grow

Today time bows to your steps

And I begin again with you

First waltz with Papa light of my soul

I will never stop loving you

 

Si algún día te duele la vida

Búscame en este viejo cantar

En tu quince yo juro en silencio

Siempre ser tu lugar

 

If life ever hurts you someday

Look for me in this old song

On your fifteenth birthday, I silently swear

Always be  for you and stay strong

 

Primer vals con papá vida mía

Giro lento no quiero soltar

Se me escapa una lágrima tibia

Mientras creces al compás

Hoy el tiempo se inclina a tus pasos

Y yo vuelvo contigo a empezar

Primer vals con papá luz del alma

Nunca voy a dejarte de amar

 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - El Burro Sabio (The Wise Burro)

 In the early 1500's, Spanish conquistadors, missionaries, and explorers brought burros to Mexico (called New Spain at the time) from the deserts of North Africa as well as the Arabian Peninsula. They are descendant from the African wild ass and were first domesticated in North Africa and The Middle East. The animals proved to be of valuable use in Mexico as pack animals used in mining and hauling goods over rough terrain and mountains. Although the animal has been largely replaced by modern mechanization, small landowners and farmers still rely on it.  Agave growers, the crop used  to make the liquor tequila, utilize burros in their fields. Producers say they do less damage than machines to the rows of agave plants. Coffee growers in hard  to reach areas use burros as they can navigate the rough terrain better than trucks.

The burrow remains a deeply embedded icon of Mexican culture. It has come to represent hard work, humility, strength, and the rural life, although it also has a reputation among some as being stubborn and stupid. But that is not really the case. They are intelligent, and what is mistaken for stubbornness can be a sign of their intelligence when they refuse to do something because they may perceive a danger, or recognize that they are overheated and tired and need to rest. 

In this song by Un Grupo de Mexicali,  the man who owns the burro is outwitted by the burro, and the burro freely admits that he is the one in charge, not the owner! The song's verses are first sung in Spanish, then English translation. The group sent us the sound file for publication, as they still refuse to enter the United States, despite having all the current paperwork and visas up to date. They are very suspicious of the current U.S government's position on immigration and foreign visitors. 

Mi patrón un hombre terco
Siempre quiere mandar
Yo un burrito listo
Sé cómo lo puedo engañar
 
Él me jala la rienda
Piensa que soy lento
Pero mi cerebro piensa
Más allá del momento
 
Ay ay ay mi burrito
Qué astuto animal
Ay ay ay mi burrito
Siempre salgo triunfal
 
My master, a stubborn man
Tries to be in command
I'm a clever little burro
I can out trick any man
 
He pulls on the reins
He thinks I'm slow
But my brain thinks
Past the moment though
 
Oh oh oh a little burro
A cunning animal am I
Oh oh oh a little burro
I win and I don't even try
 
Me carga con sacos pesados
La montaña escalar
Yo me hago el cansado
Lo hago sudar
 
Un día me puse a pensar
Qué tonto mi patrón
Lo dejo siempre ganar
Pero la victoria es mi don
 
Ay ay ay mi burrito
Qué astuto animal
Ay ay ay mi burrito
Siempre salgo triunfal
 
 
He loads me with heavy sacks
To climb the mountain
I pretend to be tired
So his shirt with sweat is stained
 
One day I started to think
How foolish my master is
He thinks he always wins
But victory is not his!
 
Oh oh oh a little burro
A cunning animal am I
Oh oh oh a little burro
I win and I don't even try

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Las Posadas

The Mariachi group Un Grupo de Mexicali performs a song about the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas where people walk every night between Dec. 16th and ending Dec. 24th and knock on doors for others to invite them in and offer refreshment. It is in imitation of Joseph and Mary's walking through the streets of Bethlehem to find lodgings. That is in fact what the title of the song translates to in English, 'Lodgings'. The final night, Christmas Eve, is an evening of celebration and traditional foods like tamales and punch along with piñatas in the shape of stars.

En la noche oscura
Un canto va
Con velas y rezos
En cada hogar
Puertas se cierran
Pero hay un lugar

¿Quién llama afuera? ¿Quién quiere entrar?
Es José y María buscando un hogar

Estrella de luz
Guía el caminar
En Las Posadas
Se siente el amar
Piñatas que caen
Risas al volar
Y en Nochebuena
Todo es celebrar

Los niños cantando
Villancicos van
Rompiendo silencios
Uniendo el pan
El aroma a ponche
El fuego en paz

El patio se llena
La fe a brillar
Somos peregrinos buscando lugar

Estrella de luz
Guía el caminar
En Las Posadas
Se siente el amar
Piñatas que caen
Risas al volar
Y en Nochebuena
Todo es celebrar

In the darkness
A cry is heard
Candles and reverence
But every place
Doors are closing
Is there is a place?
Who is knocking outside? Who wants to come in?
It's Joseph and Mary looking for shelter within

Star of light
Guide our way
In Las Posadas
Love will stay
Piñatas falling
Laughter rising
And on Christmas Eve
A celebration uprising
 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - El Despertar el Sol (The Awakening Of The Sun)

Un Grupo de Mexicali has proven to be one of the most popular groups here at Big And Tall Records. The Hispanic and Latin American community makes up a lot of their fan base, but we've heard from others who are not in those groups that have told us their love of this group. They typify the emotions that are brought forth through this artform. Truly, Mariachi music can touch us deeply, sometimes even for those who do not speak Spanish. We have heard this group run through so many songs and emotions and it is always a joy to hear them. We hope the present questions about how safe it is for them to visit is soon dispelled. They have told us they enjoy being in the U.S., and are very appreciative of the  audiences that attend their concerts and events that they play at. 

This song, El Despertar el Sol (The Awakening Of The Sun) celebrates the sun of Mexicali, Mexico the home town of the band, and is a is a good example of  the Mariachi tradition of El Grito, which translates in English to yelling, or shouting. The phrase can mean different things, and originated with the ringing of the Churchbells in Dolores, Mexico in 1810, along with the shouts of  the catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla urging the people to rise up against their Spanish occupiers and oppressors. In the Mariachi tradition, the shouts convey myriad emotions and feelings from elation to sorrow, all to help lead to understanding of the song. It is also a powerful symbol of national and ethnic identity. A good 'El Grito' as told to us, is spontaneous, an improvisation from the singer, and as many times it occurs while the music playing, it is not an easy thing to do as to be heard. 

The first verse translated from Spanish reads: The dark night is gone. A window opens and light slowly enters. A new day sings, "Mexicali awake!"

Se fue la noche oscura
Se abre una ventana
La luz entra ligera
Un nuevo día canta
Mexicali despierta ya

El sol el sol el sol
Se alza y brilla más
El sol el sol el sol
Nos trae felicidad
El sol el sol el sol
Un nuevo comenzar

Olores de café
Voces en la calle
La ciudad se mueve
No hay tiempo para el talle
La vida va de prisa

El sol el sol el sol
Se alza y brilla más
El sol el sol
Nos trae felicidad
El sol el sol
Un nuevo comenzar

Olvidemos tristezas
Dejemos lo que fue
Bailemos con el alma
Con todo nuestro ser
El sol nos da la fuerza

The sun, the sun, the sun
Rise and shine brighter
The sun, the sun
Brings us happiness
The sun, the sun
A new beginning

Let's forget sadness
Let's leave behind the past
Let's dance with our souls
With all our being
The sun gives us strength

El sol el sol el sol
Se alza y brilla más
El sol el sol
Nos trae felicidad
El sol el sol
Un nuevo comenzar
 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Dia de los Muerto

To people outside of Mexican culture, Dia de los Muertos, or The Day Of The Dead, may seem as a morbid way to remember those who have passed on. Indeed, we have heard that comment from some, with no understanding about the preponderance of skulls and death symbols seen on the day.   But the only difference between the Mexican celebration and the way others honor their loved ones that have passed on, is a difference in culture. The feeling of loss, of still being spiritually united, is the commonality.  

The day is celebrated, ironically, right around our culture's Halloween, in which the roots also deal with the dead and spirits, albeit in a much different way. In the Mexican celebration, the departed are remembered and their spirits are welcomed, while in the early history of Halloween, costumes are worn to prevent the spirits from recognizing us, and Jack O' Lanterns serve to try and scare them away! But if anything, the modern Halloween  celebration has gotten more and more on the 'morbid' side, akin to the Mexican celebration.

Marigolds

The Day Of The Dead encompasses roots deep in the Indigenous People and Catholic religion of Mexico, and continues to be a day of stories of the ones who have passed, their favorite foods, visiting of cemetaries, and general remembrance and celebration. To link Life and Death together in a celebration makes sense, as both are things that all humans have in common. Un Grupo de Mexicali captures the spirit of the day in their song that mentions the Marigold, a flower native to Mexico, and a powerful symbol.

 

 

 

 

Las velas brillan en la noche oscura
El viento susurra historias de ternura
Calaveras blancas bailan en la luna

On the day of the dead sing out their names
Through the flowers and fire
Eternal flames
They’re gone but here
In our hearts they remain

Pan de muerto sobre la mesa
Fotos antiguas llenan la pieza
Risas y lágrimas en la tristeza

Marigolds glow
Their scent will guide
Bridges of love death cannot divide

On the day of the dead sing out their names
Through the flowers and fire
Eternal flames
They’re gone but here
In our hearts they remain

Cempasúchil y papel picado
Cantan los vivos
Lloran los callados
Life and death dance in a sacred embrace

En el Día de Muertos, cantemos sus nombres
Entre flores y fuego
Llamas eternas
Se han ido, pero aquí
En nuestros corazones permanecen

La vida y la muerte danzan en un abrazo sagrado!
 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Madre Querida (Dear Mother)

The latest from our south of the border artists the mariachi band Un Grupo de Mexicali, this time a
touching tribute to mothers everywhere. The group is joined by a string orchestra that lends a sweet richness to the tribute.

Tus manos son mi refugio de paz
En su calor siempre quiero estar
Cantan los cielos al verte reír
Eres la estrella que guía mi vivir

Madre querida madre adorada
Tu amor es luz que nunca se apaga
En cada abrazo siento tu alma
Eres mi vida mi calma mi hogar

Los años pasan y aquí sigo fiel
A tus consejos que saben tan bien
Tus ojos guardan un mundo de amor
Son mi fortuna mi mayor valor

Dear mother, beloved mother
Your love is a light that never goes out
In every hug I feel your soul
You are my life, my calm, my home

If time tries to erase your voice
My heart sings it in its song
Even if I walk away, I will never forget
That in your lap I found my peace

Si el tiempo intenta borrar tu voz
Mi corazón la canta en su canción
Aunque me aleje no olvido jamás
Que en tu regazo encontré mi paz

Madre querida madre adorada
Tu amor es luz que nunca se apaga
En cada abrazo siento tu alma
Eres mi vida mi calma mi hogar

Your hands are my refuge of peace
I always want to be in their warmth
The heavens sing when they see you laugh
You are the star that guides my life

Madre querida madre adorada
Tu amor es luz que nunca se apaga
En cada abrazo siento tu alma
Eres mi vida mi calma mi hogar

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Sabores de Mi Tierra (Flavors Of My Land)

As can probably be thought, Un Grupo de Mexicali is a Mariachi group that is in high demand in Mexico as well as having a solid following in the U.S. They have suspended any travel to the U.S. due to the immigrant situation, but they continue to supply us with recordings here at Big And Tall Records. As we've learned, Mariachi music is a passionate genre that reflects the Latino temperament in the different moods of the music. This song is an example of a fast-paced, happy fiesta celebration the group played on the anniversary of  the traditional starting date of The Mexican War Of Independence From Spain 'Cry Of Dolores' of September 16th, 1810. The group was very involved with the anniversary and wrote a song about it as well. The present song celebrates Mexican cuisine, a very popular type of food around the world, especially in the U.S. 

The joy in this song carries over to our taste buds, as we here enjoy Mexican food very much! Mexican cuisine has many influences that blend together to make it unique. It's based on native ingredients of indigenous peoples of Mexico such as the Aztecs and consists of beans, corn, chili peppers, avocados, and many different vegetables. Hot chili peppers especially have become parts of many cuisines around the world, and were originally only found in Mexico. Another much prized food that originated in Mexico is chocolate! When Spaniards conquered Mexico, they introduced other foods such as other meat products, sugar, rice, onions, garlic, dairy products, etc. There is an African influence as well, as Spaniards brought slaves from Africa to New Spain, as they called Mexico. 

Mexican cuisine is much more than just tacos! There are different regional dishes across the country, far too many to mention. The cuisine is ancient in origin and cooking techniques, so explore Mexican food! More and more Mexican themes restaurants are offering different dishes, and learn to cook Mexican food yourself! From blazing heat to calmly mild,  from exotic to basic, it's one of the most delicious and varied foods of the world!

Ay qué rico el mole que sabe a hogar
Con un toque de amor y su chile al azar
La enchilada me llama con su rojo brillar
Y el pozole en la mesa listo pa' celebrar

Oh, how delicious the mole that tastes oh so good
With a touch of tradition so well understood
The enchilada calls me, I do not hesitate
And the pozole on the table we’re ready to celebrate

¡Ay ay ay What a flavor!
Tacos al pastor
¡Ay ay ay Please!
Give me more
Give me love
Salsa, Lemon and warmth

Las quesadillas me abrazan suaves al morder
El guacamole verde como el amanecer
Tamales envueltos secretos por saber
Y la cochinita pibil un sueño al comer

Con cada mordida
El alma se llena
¡Ay viva mi México y su sazón que truena!

¡Ay ay ay, Qué sabor!
Tacos al pastor
¡Ay ay aye Por favor!
Dame más, dame amor
Salsa, Limón y calor

Chiles rellenos cantan en su capa dorada
El arroz y los frijoles nunca faltan en la jornada
Un tequila pa' brindar con la banda emocionada
¡Y el flan de postre dulce qué cosa tan encantada!

The quesadillas embrace me, soft to the bite
The green guacamole, tasty and light
Wrapped tamales, secrets to know
And the cochinita pibil filling the bowl!

With each bite the soul is filled
Oh, long live my Mexico and its
Seasonings fulfilled

¡Ay ay ay, Qué sabor!
Tacos al pastor
¡Ay ay aye Por favor!
Dame más, dame amor
Salsa, Limón y calor

Stuffed chiles sing in their gold and green cape
Rice and beans there is no escape
A tequila to toast with the excited band
And flan for sweet dessert in an enchanted land!

Un Grupo de Mexicali - El Grito de Dolores (The Cry Of Dolores)

Father Miguel Hidalgo

 On September 16th, the priest at the church in the town of Dolores, New Spain, Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell and called the townspeople together. He gave a speech the denounced the Spanish regime that had control of the country and urged his parishioners to revolt. This is considered the historical beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Father Hidalgo himself walked through the country gathering people to join his revolutionary army, and there was 90,000 people who followed him. Despite little training and poorly armed, initially they had some success, but when they met  professional soldiers on their way to Mexico City, they were defeated. Father Hidalgo himself was betrayed, captured by government soldiers and executed by firing squad.  All of these events and many more atrocities committed by the Spanish army only bolstered the Mexicans tenacity, and after 10 years of bitter fighting, intrigue, and executions,  the colonial government was overthrown.

September 16th is the equivalent of the U.S. July 4th, and is celebrated by the President of Mexico leading off the festivities by ringing the same bell that Father Hidalgo did in 1810, followed by El Grito de Dolores speeches. As there is no evidence of what Father Hidalgo actually said, there are many variations of it. The day is spotlighted with parades, fiestas, all kinds of food and mariachi music. No doubt Un Grupo de Mexicali is in for a busy day, and they sing this song in advance to alert people and get them ready for the celebrations!

 El Grito de Dolores
La campana rompió el silencio gris
Dolores gritó
Un fuego sin fin
Con espadas al sol
Sueños en la raíz

¡Viva México
Tierra y corazón!
De la sangre nació revolución
Un grito
Un pueblo
Una canción

Caballos corren
Polvo en el aire
La lucha arde
No hay quien se calle
Por justicia y fe
Nadie se aparte

¡Viva México
Tierra y corazón!
De la sangre nació revolución
Un grito
Un pueblo
Una canción

¡El 16 de septiembre todos los mexicanos deberían tener una gran fiesta para celebrar! ¡Viva México

The Cry of Dolores
The bell broke the gray night
So cried Dolores
For an endless fight
With swords in the sun
Dreams of everyone

Long live México
Land and heart!
From blood the revolution start
A cry
A people
A song
Horses run
Dust in the air
Struggle has begun
All people are there
For justice and belief
All will fight for relief!

Long live México
Land and heart!
From blood the revolution start
A cry
A people
A song

On September 16, all Mexicanos should have a big fiesta to celebrate! ¡Viva México
¡Viva
 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Adiós Amor

 After two political songs, mostly about President Trump, Un Grupo de Mexicali goes back to their heritage and plays an original composition, a love song about a man who has to leave his beloved. As usual, the group plays splendidly and has a special guest singer,  Miguel Cervantes, a singer that performs in many different genres.  The group has kept busy with performances in Mexico since their U.S. tour was cancelled, and they were finally persuaded to get into a studio in Mexico to send us a much anticipated new song!

Te miré bajo la luna
Tu sonrisa era fortuna
Mis manos en tu piel
Todo era tan cruel
Tan fiel

El reloj no se detiene
El destino nos sostiene

Adiós amor
Mi corazón
Te dejo con esta canción
No es por falta de querer
Es el camino que debo hacer

Eyes like the deep sea
Laughter is free
The world to me
But the wind takes my hand
And drags me like a man

Distance my destination
It is my devastation

Goodbye love
My heart...
I leave you with this song
Not for lack of love so strong
It's the path where I belong

Adiós amor...

Mi corazón...
 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - The Big, Ugly Bug

 Our Mariachi band sent us this song, another protest against U.S. policies towards Mexico. They remain apprehensive to come here, as they've had nothing but good relations and hospitality on their previous visits but under the present administration's attitude all visits are postponed. 

To all our American amigos
We wish you nothing but good
We're sorry to have to tell you
We have to do what we should

To come to your country now
Is dangerous for all of us
Your Presidente hates us all
Round us up and put on a bus

So we send you this greeting
Hope that you are doing well
It makes us sad to see these things
And your country go straight to hell!

We have many memories
Of the hospitality
We hope we can see you
With soon availability

Trump is a no bueno hombre
He wants to be all your king
But he's like a big ugly bug
That kills you all with his sting!

Trump es un imbécil, un mentiroso.
No le gustan los mexicanos
¡Y a nosotros no nos gusta!

A todos nuestros amigos estadounidenses
Les deseamos lo mejor.
Lamentamos tener que decirles que tenemos que hacer lo que debemos.

Venir a su país ahora es peligroso para todos.
Su presidente nos odia a todos.
Que nos acorralen y nos suban a un autobús.

Así que te enviamos este saludo
Esperamos que estés bien
Nos da pena ver estas cosas
¡Y que tu país se vaya directo al infierno!

Trump is an idiota, a liar.
He doesn't like Mexicans.
And we don't like him!

Un Grupo de Mexicali - The Hombre They Call TACO!

 We here at Big And Tall Records got a call from one of the members of Un Grupo de Mexicali informing us that the tour of the U.S. they had planned in late summer has been canceled. They weren't shy about telling us why either. They do not feel comfortable crossing the border right now because of the current administration's policy towards non-citizens, no matter if they are here legally or not. We had a long talk, but he was adamant. No crossing the border until things lighten up or change. 

We can't say that we blame them. We're sure that the group has all of their paperwork,passports, visas, and Border Crossing Cards up to date as they have been touring in this country for the past 5 years.  But that is little comfort once the actions of the current administration are considered. The group has always given a full itinerary of their tours, along with exact dates to leave the country and have never had an issue. But they won't take the chance now.

That was news that really bummed us out. We like the group and their music, a really friendly bunch who all speak English of varying qualities but quite understandable. But that doesn't mean they aren't sending us recordings! This latest from them The Hombre They Call TACO! is a jab at things the way they are, and we're happy to let their displeasure be known!  

Do amigos in the States have a new leader? 

We hear of him the other day from all the news feeder 

Who is the brand new man we no have heard of before? 

Is a strange name, por favore we hear it more and more? 

 

The hombre they call TACO, is he from Mexico?

 Is that his real name or not, we really want to know! 

Also call him orange chicken, but we don't know what it means? 

Is he Mexicanos, and like to eat pinto beans 

 

 Heard of the hombre Elon, leader of the doge army 

And someone name of Pedro, boss of the real army 

But who is orange chicken, it is a mystery? 

Is it just a nickname, or is it a secretary? 

 

The hombre they call TACO, is he a real thing 

The United States gets stranger, then we ever seen 

Trump is such a strange man, that we surely know 

But who is this hombre TACO, we want to know! 

 

 Does TACO work in tariffs, it would be very nice 

He knows what of he doing, Trump take his advise 

To tell him that commerce is for all of us too 

Not just for lining pockets of him, family too 

 

The hombre they call TACO, AYE, is Trump himself! 

There will be no advising, good he give himself! 

We know orange chicken, we know what it means 

He is no Mexicanos, and fool of pinto beans 

 

The hombre they call TACO, AYE, is Trump himself! 

Trump Always Chicken Out! All by himself! 

So he is orange chicken too, AYE, AYE, AYE AYE! 

We all can kiss our culo, BYE, BYE, BYE!!

 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Fernando

Un Grupo de Mexicali's latest is a ballad about a man who took a lot of abuse from men because of his small stature and unwillingness to stick up for himself. But when a bully makes advances towards his wife, he shows what kind of a man he really is! The chorus section of the song is interesting, and must be a little tricky to get right because of the mis-directed accents and rhythms. But the group has no trouble pulling it off with their usual virtuosity. The song does highlight Hispanic cultural machismo, but the end of the song throws a little surprise to that as well.  There is also a few examples of Spanish vulgarity in the song. We aren't prudes here at Big And Tall Records, but it is surprising as we haven't heard it from this group before.

I once knew a man named Fernando

 He was not a man strong and free 

So many hombres pushed him around 

It was so much terrible to see I toll him, 

“Do you have cojones?

Or are you all blank way down there”

 But he said nothing, just looked at me 

It was something that I couldn’t bear! 

 

 ¿Eres Fernando o Fernanda? 

¡Quién te cortó los cojones! 

¿No tienes nada que decirme? 

¿O simplemente no tienes nada que decir? 

 

 Are you Fernando or Fernanda? 

Who cut both your cojones away! 

Can’t defend any honor you have 

Or do you just have nothing to say! 

 

 It’s true Fernando was really short

 His arms and his legs were so skinny 

His hair on his face was like peach fuzz 

His voice was real high and was tinny 

He seldom went to the cantina 

Always hombres would pick a big fight 

 He would just stay home with La espousa 

And stay safe in her care every night!

 

 Are you Fernando or Fernanda? 

Who cut both your cojones away!

 Can’t defend any honor you have 

Or do you just have nothing to say! 

 

 ¿Eres Fernando o Fernanda?

 ¡Quién te cortó los cojones! 

¿No tienes nada que decirme? 

¿O simplemente no tienes nada que decir? 

 

 I saw him and wife walk down the street 

They were quiet and just took a stroll

 A mean hombre stumbled into him 

And said to his wife, “I’m on patrol! 

Look for señoras that need a man 

You look like you don’t have anyone 

Why do not you lose that corbarde 

Come with me and I’ll show you fun! 

 

Are you Fernando or Fernanda? 

Who cut both your cojones away! 

You going to let that hijo de puta 

To talk to your cariño that way 

 

Fernando told the bully, “Please stop! 

We do not want any trouble tonight!” 

The bully said, “Si, you have trouble 

Hah! You trying to start a big fight? 

You no puedo can protect your woman!”

 He grabbed for the wife then Fernando

Slapped the hombre in the face so hard 

The hombre’s head snapped to the side

 Then he hit him 3 times really hard 

 

 Fernando! I am so, so surprised

 That you had that much fight inside you 

The hombre’s face down in the gutter 

We all didn’t know the real you! 

 

My amigos told me Fernando 

Was a peace loving man strong and true 

That he was a self defense teacher 

That he could defeat a whole crew 

So the moral of the story is 

Don’t judge any book by its cover 

Or you too may be bleeding, laying

 Face down in the street and the gutter!

 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Apestar El Aire (Stink Up The Air)

Hombre Gordo Gruñendo

We've mentioned before about how much we've learned about Mariachi culture from Mexico. The instruments they use, and the variety of subjects they sing about. We've heard the passionate side of this group, and now we get to hear their comical side as they sing about a subject that seems to be funny across all different cultures and times: THE FART!

A very special member of Un Grupo de Mexicali is a man that usually plays guitar in the band, but on occasion he sings a song. Apestar El Aire was written for him specifically and he probably had a hand in the writing as well. Francisco 'Paco' Medina Hernandez Xavier Caudillo Collazo is also known by the name of Hombre Gordo Gruñendo, which means Growling Fat Man. That's him in the picture, and once you hear him sing you'll know where the name comes from! He's also known in the band as Gordo for short, mainly because of all  the names this guy has!  

This song has a middle section where 'Gordo' speaks the previous lyrics in Spanish. The real humor in this are his gestures and motions he makes while he says them! Unfortunately, we did not receive any video from Mexico, just the song file. But even at that, the way he emphasizes words is funny if you don't understand Spanish! The band told us they don't use his talents very often, so when they do it is a real treat! 

 

 

You like Mexican food, Tortas, Burritos, and Tamales

 It all tastes so very good,to have a meal with families 

To senoras and senoritas, that cook it is an art 

The problem with it is, that it can make you FART!

 

 If you are with amigos, eating, drinking beer 

Funny like a joke when the noise that they hear 

When you with senorita, is a bad thing to do 

You don't want do it, her you try to woo 

 

 Get a bellyache! Do things that you hate 

Think it isn’t fair! To stink up the air! 

Even if you do not, make any noise 

The smell will drift across their nose! 

 

So save picante food, when you at home

 If you get stinky farts you are all alone 

Or with your family, it is better there

 Pass gas at home, stink your underwear 

 

Your brothers, sisters, Mama Papa too 

They will not like it, they get mad at you 

They will tell no! Stop it! Is no fair! 

They will wave their sombreros in the air

 

 Get a bellyache! Do things that you hate 

Think it isn’t fair! To stink up the air! 

Even if you do not, make any noise 

The smell will drift across their nose! 

 

Si estás con amigos, comiendo, bebiendo cerveza 

Es gracioso como una broma cuando el ruido que escuchan 

Cuando estás con la señorita, es algo malo que hacer 

No quieres hacerlo, intentas cortejarla 

 

 Así que guarda la comida picante cuando estés en casa. 

Si te tiras pedos apestosos, estás solo.

 O con tu familia, es mejor allí. 

Si te tiras pedos en casa, apesta tu ropa interior. 

 

 ¡Que te duela la panza! Haz cosas que odias 

 ¡Piensas que no es justo! 

 ¡Apestar el aire! Aunque no lo hagas, haz cualquier ruido. 

¡El olor les llegará a la nariz! 

 

 Get a bellyache! Do things that you hate 

Think it isn’t fair! To stink up the air! 

Even if you do not, make any noise 

The smell will drift across their nose!

 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Traición (Betrayal)

Miguel Navarro

The latest from our Mariachi band, Un Grupo de Mexicali, comes by way of a recording done in a professional studio in Mexico. The song Traición (Betrayal) of course deals with betrayal in a love affair, something the Latino soloist sings passionately about. The group shows they are capable of adapting their sound from a traditional Mariachi sound to take advantage of the setting of a pro - fessional studio. Miguel Navarro is the fine voice we hear in the recording, and he is one of the founders of the group.

Un Grupo de Mexicali continues to show us at Big And Tall Records the musical versatility of a good Mariachi band. Frankly, the only exposure most of us here have had with Mariachis is in the settings of Mexican restaurants!  These are fine, gifted musicians that continue to offer up Mariachi music to our Latino fans, as well as the rest of us!

En la plaza de mi alma hay dolor 

Tu recuerdo me quema como el sol 

Prometiste amarme sin traición 

Pero ahora mi pecho sufre la ilusión 

 

Te vi con otro en la luz de la luna 

Riendo como si yo fuera ninguna

 Las guitarras lloran en mi balcón

 Cada acorde grita mi desolación 

 

 Ay amor falso y cruel 

Me dejaste en este papel 

De un hombre roto y herido 

Por un corazón tan perdido 

 

 In the deep parts of my soul there is pain 

Your memory burns me like a hot flame 

You promised to love me without betrayal 

But now I really suffer, and you are to blame 

 

 I saw you with him in the moonlight 

Laughing such laughs as if I were no one 

The guitars they sob on my balcony 

Each chord screams out in my desperation 

 

Your false and cruel love 

Left me in this torment 

I am a broken man 

Left to weep and lament 

 

Ay amor falso y cruel 

Me dejaste en este papel 

De un hombre roto y herido 

Por un corazón tan perdido 

 

(Oh, false and cruel love 

You left me in this role

 Of a broken and wounded man 

For a heart so lost)

 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Te Adoro

 We at Big And Tall Records admit that while we've heard Mariachi bands before, we had no idea of the versatility and artistry associated with them. They sing at every event imaginable, with appropriately sad, romantic, lively, happy, and myriad other moods of music. Their latest recording is a love song. We're proud to have Un Grupo de Mexicali as one of our recording artist groups. They sent this recording to us recently as they are back in Mexico after their very successful tour of the U.S. We hope they send us more recordings, as we enjoy them very much. And more important, our customers and their listeners do as well!

With each passing day 

I find my self loving you more

 Don’t’ know how its possible 

I adore you more and more 

 

 I see you everywhere 

Your picture inside my brain

 I never will be the same 

Since I met you there

 

 It was at a fiesta my eyes first saw 

Your face, your graceful, lovely form 

With long, flowing black hair 

 In my heart there was a love storm 

 

I see you everywhere 

Your picture inside my brain 

I never will be the same 

Since I met you there 

 

Con el paso de los días 

Me encuentro amándote más

 No sé cómo es posible 

Te adoro cada vez más 

 

Te veo en todas partes 

Tu imagen dentro de mi cerebro 

Nunca seré la misma 

Desde que te conocí allí 

 

I love you (Te amo) 

I adore you (te adoro) 

Love of my life (Amor de mi vida!) 

Love of my life!

 

 

Un Grupo de Mexicali - Our Home Mexicali

The Mariachi group Un Grupo de Mexicali are back in Mexico at the release of their latest song,  Our Home Mexicali.  They ended a very successful tour of mainly the Southwest with a few one night engagements up north. We had them stay over from their last show so we could record them before they left.  We thought this was a large group, but Mariachis come in all sizes. This group that went on tour has 3 violins, 2 trumpets, 2 acoustic guitars, 1 Guitarrón, 1 Vihuela, and 3 vocalists that also play assorted instruments and percussion. Back at their home base in Mexicali they also have other musicians that fill in to enlarge the group for bigger occasions. 

Mariachi playing Guitarrón

Guitarrón

The two instruments that may not be familiar to you are unique to Mariachi bands.  The Guitarrón is the big, deep guitar that supplies the bass. It's name translates to large guitar in English. It has a very deep body with a relatively short neck with no frets. The strings are pulled, and the resultant sound is deep and rich, as well as being loud enough to carry the bass with the other instruments. It has 6 strings, 3 of them steel strings wound with either bronze, copper, or steel. The other 3 strings are nylon that are wound with nylon. String tension is very high, so there is a certain amount of effort to pull the strings with the right hand. The instrument provides the backbone of the Mariachi band as it supplies a steady bass beat pulse.

Vihuela

The Vihuela is similar to the Guitarrón in structure, only on a much smaller scale. The two instruments, along with the guitar, are thought of as being the rhythm section of the band. It is smaller than the guitar, and has 5 strings. The neck has frets made of nylon string tied tightly around it at the correct intervals. Its back is also convex, and as with the Guitarrón, the convex back helps the sound project throughout the band.The Vihuela seldom plays the melody, as it plays chords to support the rhythm and key of the music. The strings can be of different gauges and tensions to get the desired effect of the instrument in the music being played. 

 

 Mariachi playing Vihuela

If there's one thing we've learned here at Big And Tall Records,  is that a good musician is a good musician, regardless of what kind of music they play. Music is a discipline, and most of our recordings have been a group effort with members in a band. We've come to appreciate them all! 

Un Grupo Mexicali aren't due for another tour until late this year, so we'll look forward to having them record more songs for us then, maybe even talk them into coming to the States before then!

We miss our home Mexicali 

Back in the Baja state 

We love to play for you here

 Back home we can't hardly wait 

 

 We love play for good people but 

Our women folks miss us 

We miss them very much too 

But it's time we say adios 

 

Mexicali se llama 

La ciudad que capturó el sol 

Conocemos a toda la gente, lugares 

Mexicali es la única 

 

Mexicali is called 

The city that captured the sun 

We miss all the people, places 

Mexicali is the only one 

 

 Our tour has taken us far and wide 

We see much your country we never see 

All the audience have been muy bueno 

We play for them happily 

 

We greeted with honor wherever we go 

Our cachanilla corazón*  feel warm

We have felt welcome and safety 

And never we get any harm 

 

Mexicali is called 

The city that captured the sun 

We invite you all to come there 

Mexicali is so mucho fun 

 

You all come to Mexicali 

We show you muy bueno time 

We have a big fiesta! 

We laugh, and sing, all the time 

 

We shout 

We laugh 

We show you hospitality 

Come! Come to Mexicali! 

 

Mexicali is called 

The city that captured the sun 

We invite you all to come there 

Mexicali is so mucho fun

 

*Cachanillas is a nickname for the residents of Mexicali. The term comes from the cachanilla shrub, which is also known as arrowweed. Corazón means 'heart'