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| Amalia Mendoza con El Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan - La Tariacuri, Vol. III RCA Victor, MKL-1277, Printed in Mexico, 1960 | |
France had Edith Piaf, Milva of Italy, Billie Holiday, Asakawa Mai, Marlene Dietrich, Portugal's Amália Rodrigues, every country had its diva of the tragic song. They're larger than life, adored by all citizens, considered national cultural heritage. They represent the national musical style of the people, the fado in Portugal, tango in Argentina, the blues in the US, and so on. In Mexico they have the mariachi. I found another Amalia, this one singing mariachi, Mexico's femme with the sulky, husky voice. When I saw the record cover (above) with the wet eyes and accentuated lipstick covered lips, I knew this Amalia would be right up there with all those legendary female voices. Her full name is Amalia Mendoza, and her nickname La Tariácuri, which is also the title of the record. The record opens with the sounds of the quintessential mariachi band, the uplifting trumpet sounds and a high pitched man's voice announcing. But then comes Amalia's voice with tragedy dripping off every sentence, every word sung with tears in her eyes as if they would be her last words, or at least announce the death of beloved one. Pathos of plenty but certainly not pathetic.
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