Mario Barradas and Son Jarocho

Son Jarocho was born as the regional sound of Veracruz but over time became a Mexican national genre, even transnational, genrea touchstone of Chicano identity in the United States. Mario Barradas and Son Jarocho traces a musical journey from the Gulf Coast to interior Mexico and across the border, describing the transformations of Son Jarocho along the way. This comprehensive cultural study pairs ethnographic and musicological insights with an oral history of the late Mario Barradas, one of Son Jarochos preeminent modern musicians. Chicano musician Francisco Gonzlez offers an insiders account of Barradass influence and Son Jarochos musical qualities, while Rafael Figueroa Hernndez delves into Barradass recordings and films. Yolanda Broyles-Gonzlez examines the interplay between Son Jarochos indigenous roots and contemporary role in Mexican and US society. The result is a nuanced portrait of a vital and evolving musical tradition.