Dueto Alegre

by Raul "El Ruco" Martinez

Overview

This CD compiles 21 sides recorded by Martinez (often as part of Dueto Alegre, with Juan Gonzalez on bajo sexto and vocal) for the Falcon and Ideal labels between 1948 and 1956, making for a good document of one of the lesser-known early conjunto music pioneers. For the record, Gonzalez isn't Martinez's only vocal duet partner here; Jesus Maya and Jose Vela sing with Martinez on some sides, and Martinez sings some tunes alone. Whoever's doing the singing, it's good if similar-sounding conjunto, the vocal harmony numbers broken up by some instrumental polkas and waltzes. The slower cancions stand out more than the peppier tunes, as they bring out the doleful qualities in the Martinez-Gonzalez vocal blend, while the instrumental waltz "Me Queda Ti Recuerdo" is a good showcase for the more inventive and varied features of Gonzalez's bajo sexto work (though he sounds out of tune on another instrumental waltz, "Dominga"). All tracks but one were remastered from original 78s and test pressings, leading to unavoidable surface noise, but it's never at such a high level that it seriously distracts from the listening experience. ~ Richie Unterberger

Product Details

Release Date:	10/21/2003
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297902929
Rank:	159052

Tracks

1. La Chamagosa
2. Muchacha Enamorada
3. De Que Te Sirvio
4. Abran Brecha
5. Vuelve la Paloma
6. Leandreo y Garcia
7. Me Queda Tu Recuerdo
8. Adios Palomita
9. Asi Se Baila en San Antonio
10. Infame Mujer
11. Arriba la Paloma!
12. La Tragedia de Timoteo
13. Saludame Al Pasar
14. Te Creias Mujer
15. Bajo el Aguila Doble
16. Ya Ves Que Si
17. Abandonado y Despreciado
18. Dominga
19. Tendrias Razon
20. Palomita Ingrata
21. Ten Cuidado

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Raul "El Ruco" Martinez   Primary Artist,Accordion,Vocals
Jesus Maya   Vocals
Juan Gonzalez   Vocals,Bajo Sexto

Technical Credits

Chris Strachwitz   Compilation Producer,Liner Notes,Editing
Raul "El Ruco" Martinez   Duet