Vicente FernándezVicente Fernández
The Living Legend (Norte/Sony BMG, 2005)
review by Patty-Lynne Herlevi
I had never heard of Vicente Fernández until recently when I saw a post for the
CD box-set, The Living Legend on this site. Yet, Don Fernández who was dubbed
"The Sinatra of Rancheras" by the Houston Chronicle, has released over 100
albums in Mexico and starred in enough films to make him a movie star in Mexico.
He has been lauded with prestigious industry awards and given keys to many
cities. So why haven't I heard of Vicente Fernández until now?
I'm not unfamiliar with rancheras because I have heard this genre of music
featured on a Seattle-based community radio show, Música de la Raza which airs
on KBCS early Saturday mornings--too early to catch the names of the performers
featured on the show. I've heard rancheras lingering in the background of
countless Mexican food restaurants that I frequented in the past, but I never
inquired about the music with the wait staff. Who knows, Fernández'
award-winning songs probably came with my nachos and tacos.
Rancheras compare with African-American blues, Portuguese fados and Spanish
flamenco. "As with flamenco, its musical cousin, behind the ranchera's melodrama
looms loss, pride, honor and existential grief." (press notes). Rancheras also
are a component of Tex-Mex music and Native American chicken scratch or waila of
the Tohono O'odham (Papago) people. (You can find waila recordings on Canyon
Records).
I'm of Puerto Rican origins so I'm not that familiar with Mexican culture.
Although my grandmother resides in El Paso, Texas, which is largely populated by
Mexicans, I do not recall her ever playing rancheras in her home, although she
did watch Mexican soaps on a regular basis. Perhaps Vicente's music appeared on
those soaps, but not being a fan of soap operas, I would not have paid
attention. Also I live in the north and I am influenced by Canadian more than
Mexican culture. However, if I happened to be a Spanish-speaking Chicana who
didn't know about Vicente Fernández that would be a shame. With his "El Rey"
(The King), title, he has become a looming icon in the Mexican cultural fabric,
but it is doubtful that many non-Hispanic Americans would know about this
Mexican equivalent of Elvis.
Thanks to Sony & BMG Music Entertainment Norte, fans of traditional music such
as myself can play catch-up and learn what the Mexican people find caliente. The
bilingual 3-CD set,
The Living Legend offers listeners a comprehensive primer about the 66
year old Mexican folkloric legend. A 72-page booklet packed with photographs
from the artist's personal collection, an extensive film and discography and
biography accompany the CDs which feature songs hand-picked by the artist
himself. He divides the songs into 3 categories. The first CD honors his
homeland, the second CD celebrates life on the ranch and the third CD honors the
women in his life, which includes his wife who has been with Vicente from the
get-go. Not bad and even ironic for a famous musician who plays macho roles and
whose music exudes masculine pride. You won't find any real life stormy affairs
tied to this hombre (which is refreshing).
It's hard to believe that Vicente with his operatic vocals, his sincere palette
of emotions and gift as a songwriter had once been turned down by several major
labels. Possessing a work ethic that would frighten most people and
determination to match, the vocalist puts his fans first, even to the point of
performing after he heard of his father's death and completing a tour after he
heard that his eldest son was kidnapped (Vicente didn't know his son's
whereabouts for 4 months).
Certainly the rousing and sometimes sentimental music on these discs does touch
the heart. Vicente's vocals, which are backed by immaculate Mariachi musicians
caress his listeners ears and his authentic emotions leave a lasting impression.
"His gift for using his voice to plead, to taunt, to exult and to bare his soul
is unmatched. Through the years he inspired hundreds of imitators, but none
could ever match his rare mix of operatic power and earthiness. As a singer, he
is an absolute force of nature." (Notes from CD book)
I can see where the comparisons to Elvis, Muddy Waters and Sinatra come into
play. And the lesson for dejected musicians reading this review is don’t listen
to the opinions of record label decision makers and keep pursuing your dream.
Vicente's rags to riches story proves where determination and fate can lead. And
Vicente did this with only a 5th grade education.
Certainly both Spanish and non-Spanish speaking music fans can enjoy this
Mexican treasure and with three discs, there's enough music here to satisfy
party guests. And speaking of celebrations,
The Living Legend would be perfect for Mexican Independence Day,
(September 16), Day of the Dead (November 1 & 2), the Mexican Revolution Day of
1910 (November 20), Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12) and don't
forget Cinco de Mayo. Vicente will be touring the U.S. this fall so here is your
chance to see the "Sinatra of Rancheras." Don't forget to bring along your
sombrero.
Tour Dates 2006 U.S. Tour
October
13 Laredo, TX, Laredo Entertainment Center
14 & 15 McAllen, TBC
21 Atlanta, GA, TBC
22 Rosemont, IL, Allstate Arena
28 Dallas, TX, Smirnoff Music Center
29 Houston, TX, TBC
November
3-5 Universal City, CA, Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk
10-12, same as above
24 San Jose, CA, TBC
25 Las Vegas, TBC
More dates TBA
[Buy The Living Legend]
World Music Central
http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20060723224522316