Son Jaliscense Overview:
One of the most identifiable forms of regional Mexican son is defined by its instrumentation; son jaliciense (from the state of Jalisco) is represented by the well-know mariachi style. Over a century after it first emerged, the mariachi remains as one of the most popular instrumental groups representing the country, and has extended its range well beyond the Mexican borders.
The mariachi is an ensemble dating back to the early 19th century, and at that time (and until the early 1920s) consisted primarily of string instruments including two violins, the vihuela and guitarra de golpe (both guitar relatives), the guitarrón (a large-bodied, four-string bass guitar) or the harp. By around 1927 trumpets were added as well as more violins. The ideal mariachi tends to have around nine musicians, and always will include the guitarrón, while the harp is optional.
Son jaliciense songs are rich and complex in structure, and many specific songs have generated specific choreography. While the general focus is centered on the text, the star of this genre is the ensemble itself, which for many Mexicans denotes an air of sophistication compared to other seemingly humble ensembles. It was (and still is) considered a sign of wealth and middle- to upper-class status to hire a mariachi for an occasion (such as a quinceañera or a wedding). The charro (Mexican cowboy) outfit worn by the mariachi connote a link to the past and the Mexican revolution, and it's standard wardrobe for both male and female players (although the women wear long skirts). The mariachi tradition spread beyond the state of Jalisco as the genre gained popularity through recordings in the mid-20th century, in particular through the heyday of Mexican cinema where many mariachi musicians were featured.
One of the most respected groups is Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán (around since the 1940s), and several of Mexico's best-known canción ranchera (country song) singers are featured with Mariachi Vargas behind them, including Vicente Fernández, Javier Solis and many others. In the western United States mariachi traditions abound as young Mexican-Americans carry on the tradition of their ancestors in northern lands. —Rebeca Mauleon
