MARIACHI FLOR DE TOLOACHE | VINYL RECORD (LP)

Flor de Toloache and Peace & Rhythm have teamed up again, this time to reissue - for the first time ever on vinyl - the band's auspicious debut, the 2015 Latin Grammy Nominated album, Mariachi Flor de Toloache. The record showcases deep and melodic mastery of instruments and vocals as well as a generational understanding of traditional mariachi, successfully passed down from vocalist/violinist Mireya Ramos's mariachi musician father Armando and an extensive river of influences from her music loving mother Carmen. This is all interwoven with the modern R&B/soul influences of Shae Fiol (vocals, vihuela, guitar), whose songwriting shines as she translates her tracks into the rustic and folky ambiance of mariachi. Beautiful original arrangements give wings to trumpeters Julie Acosta, Jackie Coleman, and Anna García, who combine with Domenica Fossatti's dazzling flute work to achieve unparalleled orchestral heights in the all-important brass section. The classic Mariachi violin sound comes courtesy of Luisa Bastidas and Eva Lou Vossmerbäumer who are joined by Verónoca Medellín on guitarrón, Lila Downs band member George Saenz on trombone, and members of NYC's Banda de los Muertos. The material is refreshingly unique and yet rooted in tradition as well, and ranges across styles, regions and influences, from huapango to son, cumbia to salsa, bachata to bolero, Afro-Cuban to blues. There is also a touch of country/Americana, jazz, and American popular song added to round things out. Mastered vinyl version created by Pete Maher and pressed by Burlington Record Plant.