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History of Conjunto Music
In
approximately late 1800’s
the Mexican population of South Texas and northern Mexico
adopted the lively
button accordion from the German settlers and combined it with
the Spanish guitar, or bajo sexto (a 12-string bass guitar),
to develop a new style of music known as conjunto. By synthesizing
European rhythms, such as polkas, waltzes and schottishes,
with indigenous Mexican musical forms, a highly stylized and
unique expression of American music was born. The
first conjuntos, usually comprised of an accordion and guitar
or bajo sexto duo, were formed in the 1920’s. The first
recordings of conjunto music were made in San Antonio in the
late 20’s to mid 30’s at which time the radio industry
popularized conjunto music among the Mexican-American people.
To this day, San Antonio continues to be the hub of Tejano Conjunto
music. Considered,
at one time, to be the music of the poor migrant worker,
it has since then grown in popularity nationally and
internationally. Though the basic four piece ensemble – diatonic
accordion, bajo sexto, bass and drums - continues to be the basis
of conjuntos, many additions and modifications have been made
by various groups, which individualize their sound. Some
of these changes include the use of two accordions, added
keyboards, synthesizers, chromatic accordions, saxophones,
percussion, and substitution of guitars for bajo sextos.
Vocal styles vary widely as well, from solos to very complex
three and four-part harmonies. This new “modern” or “progressive” style,
which is called “ Tejano,” shows a stronger rock
or jazz influence and a more theatrical performance.
Tejano and
Conjunto music have a widespread following, which until recently
had been almost exclusively Mexican-American. But as mainstream
America and the rest of the world have come into contact with
the music, the legion of fans has grown to include substantial
followings outside the Mexican-American community, with many
fans in Europe and a growing following in Japan.
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