What is Conjunto Music? - Interview with Conjunto Mi Rey
On Wednesday, a Casa de la Cultura intern was able to interview Joe Ybarra, a member of Conjunto Mi Rey, about tonight's special performance at the twelfth Noches Musicales summer concert event. But what exactly is conjunto music? What makes Conjunti Mi Rey different?
Tejano Conjunto is a unique, distinctive style of Conjunto music. A primary influence is derived from Texas from deep in the valleys, from workers playing out in the fields, Mexican and German undertones that come out in the strums of their bajo quinto and accordion. These are two of the four primary instruments Conjunto Mi Rey plays, the others being the bass and the drums. Fred Cervantes is lead vocalist and plays the bass, Erick Esquivel plays the accordian, Joe Ybarra the bajo quinto, and Rene Ybarra the drums.
What sets Tejano Conjunto apart from the other types of Conjunto, band member Joe Ybarra said, was that you had to love the music to play it authentically. Additionally they consider themselves a progressive group, willing to reach out and incarnate different types of music and put their own special Conjunto twist onto them.
Seeing the audience beyond them, enjoying and thriving in the Conjunto music they play, only makes them want to sing and play their hearts out even more than ever. They are stunningly passionate about their work and the songs they perform.
When asked about the origins of the band’s name, Conjunto Mi Rey, we got to learn some special backstory. ‘Mi Rey’ is a term of endearment -- one that translates into ‘my king’, a term that many should be familiar with, especially when it comes to addressing those you love and care for. The members of the group wanted to embrace their passion for their music as they would their loved ones,
Del Rio is a very special place for Conjunto music. It still holds all the heart and all the love that Conjunto Mi Rey cherishes and loves to perform for that very reason. Don’t hold back and stay home - Conjunto Mi Rey plays tonight during Noches Musicales! Bring all your friends and family and listen to these incredible seasoned musicians in even greater company.
