In honor of today's historical date, here is a tip on how you can hear some very good Tejano music sounds: simply "google" myspace Flaco Jimenez and listen to this master of the Tejano music style. Jimenez's instrument is the accordian, an influence brought to Texas music by the German immigrants who settled the Lone Star State in the mid 1800s.
Be sure to listen to the tune "Ya Volvi De La Guerra" at the myspace site and then scroll down to see a video of Jimenez performing with Oscar Tellez, Freddy Fender and Willie Nelson (on the video, you will see Willie singing en espanol).
For some of the best of what is now termed Americana music, "google" KNBT 92.1 FM to get to a station located in a modest building in New Braunfels, Texas. The building might be small, but the music is large.
I've heard Freddy Fender tunes on KNBT and I first heard the Band of Heathens -- singing a Leadybelly song -- on the station. For a Texas newspaper, I reviewed the Band of Heathens and Leon Russell in October, 2006 playing Texas' oldest dancehall, Gruene Hall in Gruene (Gruene adjoins New Braunfels).
For more about the BOH, visit www.bandofheathens.com.
