CHRISTINA ORTEGA: The Vaquero Song

Christina Ortega

The Vaquero Song

© 2004 Palomar Records (691045927324)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

Mexican vaqueros ride with American cowboys in this bilingual collection of old and new songs delivered with the powerful wallop of a bluegrass band that found its inspiration in cowboy culture (and perhaps just a little bit of tequila).

tracks

1 Palomita de Ojos Negros
2 Corazón Viajero
3 Montana Cowgirl
4 Prenda del Alma
5 Full Moon Full of Love
6 Chanate, El Vaquero
7 Tú Sólo Tú
8 The Vaquero Song

notes

There was a time when Christina Ortega was an aspiring opera singer, but a move to Colorado soon put her on the path toward alternative forms of acoustic music. Best remembered as the frontwoman for Denver’s beloved/bereaved Velveeta Sisters (an all-female swing/rockabilly/bluegrass outfit), it was while living at the foot of the Rockies that she fell in love with the many soul-stirring forms of roots music. From Cajun to Celtic to eventually fronting her own band, she discovered a passion for bluegrass prison songs and similarly tragic hillbilly themes (not surprising when you consider her operatic background). Apparently Colorado music lovers have a thing for a finely rendered tuneful tale of woe, as evidenced when they voted for her to receive a Rocky Mountain Region Bluegrass Female Vocalist of the Year award.

A Western girl at heart and by heritage, she found her way to the world of cowboy poetry and eventually turned her musical attentions to the lamentations of traditional Mexican folk songs juxtaposed with American cowboy music. Having returned to her native Southern California, she’s put together an ace band comprised of the best musicians from L.A.’s folk music world. Acoustic heroes Tom Corbett (lead guitar & mandolin), Otoño Luján (three-row button accordion), and Ruben Ramos (upright bass & fingerstyle guitar) lend their flying fingers to the sound that has taken Christina from lauded performances at cowboy poetry & music festivals to multiple appearances at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage in Los Angeles. Most of these musicians have done time in bluegrass outfits and now they’ve come together to conquer the frontier of Western folk music with a sonic stew that bridges the historical and musical gap between the American cowboy and the Mexican vaquero. At their live performances the band sizzles and snaps the musical whip as melancholy corridos crackle with a newly found vitality and energy.

Her debut CD, “The Vaquero Song” (Palomar Records), showcases the lively fusion that is ignited when a band of bluegrass pickers find their inspiration in cowboy culture (and perhaps just a little bit of tequila). This bilingual collection combines contemporary songs and traditional rancheras and boleros, with titular songwriting credits going to esteemed cowboy balladeer Dave Stamey. Co-producing the project with Christina were David Jackson (of New West fame) and Rick Tetzlaff, a top Los Angeles recording and film sound engineer.

reviews

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  • The Vaquero Song
    author: Ken Sanderson

    This is a very nice CD - we are enjoying this mixture of English & Spanish vaquero/cowboy songs here in Australia

  • vaquero song
    author: andrea relf

    I am a descendant of the Castro family. Hearing el Vaquero compelled me to close my eyes and see my family alive. I now know that I was always a part of my family, true Californios. It was a moment in time I shallk never forget. Thank you so much. Andrea Relf- Castro Family

  • GRITOS DE ALMA AWESOME this cd rip can the soul from any buckero
    author: Rich Millar

    Hecha por californio's the real deal,powerful. Christina's song's are sung from my saddle to mi caballo, Chanate no muerte is the truth. fantastic. this is a must buy for every Californio a horseback. Rich Millar Volcano,Ca

  • Incredible.
    author: John L. Moore

    The Vaguero Song is haunting, chilling, and deeply moving. This Montana cowboy was thawed-out, shaken and stirred by it. John in Miles City

  • Great!!
    author: Steve

    I loved this cd and i cant wait for the next one

  • You bring goose pumps to the heart of this Californio.
    author: Garry McClintock Los Californios Heritage Ass.

    This cd is very well recieved in the baja and cowboy community. I only wish there was more. I would like to carry some copies in our store and would like to recieve permission to use some of your cuts in a video we are making about the Vaqueros of baja California. Please communicate about these matters. Garry Mcclintaco. Muy estimado

  • Christina, give us more of it!
    author: manfred

    the CD is just the mixture I need to hear when driving on the motorway, helps my imagination of an open space countryside, horses, cattle and all the many other things we don`t have here in Germany. This CD is a jewel in my collection.

  • wonderful and haunting. Congrtatuations Cristina
    author: rick alpers

    Vaquero Song is a wonderful treat to the memories and lifestyle of Old Central California. You can imagin Juan Medina horseback, riding through the pepperwood trailing cattle. El toda dia esta aqui...

  • Beauiful Music
    author: Bob Dani

    The music, from the voice to the musician blend together in a perfect haromany. This maybe one of the best CD that has ever been made. It gives the music listener the idea that you are there experiencing "The Vaqero Song." Bring on the concert dates.

  • Beautiful, Inspiring and Uplifting
    author: Pat from SW Hill Country Western Store, 1412 Colorado Blvd., Eag

    I enjoyed experiencing this CD. I was able to be in Old Mexico dancing the night away. Yet moments, later I listened peacefully and imagined myself in the wide open ranges of the Old West. Although the music is from two different genres, Christina blends them seamlessly for a true "Vaquero/Cowboy" adventure.

  • What a surprise!
    author: Brian

    What a revelation. For once the rave reviews were absolutely right on. I play The Vaquero Song over and over and over.

  • Give me more!
    author: Casey

    I only wish there were more songs on the CD. I played this disc over and over again in my car for two weeks straight! (Ok, so I'm a little obsessive, but I have good taste). These songs are fabulous!

  • Wonderful! Powerful! Passionate!
    author: Jerry Rsmussen

    Having heard the artist live, this CD is most welcome. The title song is heartfelt, powerful and passionate - a tribute to the songwriter. Wonderful to hear the mix of languages with the same passion!

  • TOE TAPPIN'.....
    author: CHUCK DUSTY DAWG WILSON

    TOE TAPPIN' GREAT..............

  • AS good as if not better rendition wise than Bud And Trav of the sixties
    author: Mike Crane-Woodstock 69 Film Consultant

    Exellent quality Cd

  • christina ortega is for real!!
    author: skip heller

    No messin' around here. great songs, great playing, great singing. A must-have. Stuff like this makes me proud to live in Los Angeles.

  • An outstanding release in every way! It is a top favorite in my collection!
    author: Wayne Austin, singer and record collector

    Christina Ortega has a sensational voice, which she uses wih authority and style. I love her versions of all of the songs, but I especially admire her recordings of the Mexican songs. I love these songs, and I have never heard them sung better! Excellent accompaniments,well mixed and mastered. If you like great voices, this album is a MUST!

  • WOW! Outstanding 1st CD!
    author: Stephanie Bowden

    Your feet keep going from the first song to the last. Beautiful songs, you find yourself singing and humming through out the day.

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