Flaco Jimenez: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Музыка
by FELIX CONTRERAS
Watching Flaco Jimenez play his button accordion is like looking back in time. His grandfather started playing an accordion in cantinas and family parties along the Texas/Mexican border around the late 1800s. Then Flaco's dad, Santiago Jimenez Sr., carried on the family tradition when he released his first record in 1936.
Two of the songs you hear Flaco Jimenez play in this Tiny Desk Concert are traditional German polkas; they were popular in the mid-1800s as German immigrants settled in Texas before it became part of the U.S. almost 20 years later. Over time, the two-step stayed the same, but the German lyrics were replaced by the Mexican storytelling song form known as corridos.
But Jimenez is no dusty relic; he's very much of the here and now. For almost six decades, he's carried on those traditions and taken them to places neither his grandfather nor his father could ever imagine. He's played with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Los Lobos, Willie Nelson and Ry Cooder; he's toured the world and won Grammys. He's become a symbol of ethnic pride among Mexican-Americans for not only preserving the conjunto sound, but also moving it forward.
Listen closely to this recording: I think the secret to Jimenez's longevity lies in the short bursts of improvisation in between verses he shares with bajo sexto player Max Baca, of the Grammy-winning band Los Texmaniacs. (The two have an album due out in the spring.) The notes seem to spin and strut just as the dancers do in the serious conjunto dance halls. There's a stutter here, a jazz-like riff there, and when he extends the notes and holds them playfully, I recall my own mother teaching me to spin her in a tight pirouette at family weddings and quinceñeras.
Jimenez was able to perform a Tiny Desk Concert because he had traveled to Washington, D.C., from his home in San Antonio to receive a Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment of the Arts. He was being honored for carrying on what his grandfather and so many other conjunto musicians have been doing for more than a century: getting people on the dance floor with an accordion and a song.
Set List
"Margarita"
"La Paloma"
"Cada Vez Que Cae La Tarde"
Credits
Producer: Felix Contreras; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Christopher Parks, Ryan Smith; photo by Lauren Rock/NPR
Пікірлер: 243
My family is Tex-Czech and when my grandma couldn't find Czech polka on the a.m. radio, this is what she listened to.
@migalvarez91
5 жыл бұрын
HilltopZombieShop no way?! That’s badass lol did he enjoy it?
@krobinson5992
4 жыл бұрын
Lol my dad is Czech from New England and played the accordion when we were kids ...we would dance around his accordion case as little ones . We also had lots of polka on the radio...My mom Is portuguese/Azorean descent and plays piano beautifully...always different mixtures of music growing up 😊
@joelwoiton9085
4 жыл бұрын
You mean Czech-sans ? Got some of that in my heritage too.
@JoeyJustJoking.
3 жыл бұрын
This music is a direct descendant of the european polkas 😌
@janbalaz1350
3 жыл бұрын
No pěkně! :)
The true sound of South Texas. Race don't mean shit down here, we all love it.
@littlejimmyyouman7201
4 жыл бұрын
yes!
@ramiroofaragon9323
3 жыл бұрын
My great-uncle played with Flaco. Couldn't have said it better myself.
@rossrandrup4965
3 жыл бұрын
Central Valley Californian here. Same!
@ec7132
2 жыл бұрын
Timeless OG!
@brianthompson4218
2 жыл бұрын
My dad saw Flaco play Laredo back in the 60s.
We have to appreciate Flaco while he's still here.
@genxlady
2 жыл бұрын
yes!
I love Flaco. One time in Southern California he was playing a show my parents took me, and he came into the crowd and starting playing with all the kids. He put their hands on his accordion and was teaching them how to play. I actually got to play with him. He put my hands on his instrument and taught me.I am a drummer but I grew up to his music and the Tex Mex sound influences my drumming style. I am blessed to encounter this man. I love you Flaco.
I’m from Scotland and no obvious connection with the type of music but just love Flaco. Brilliant .
@ultraalvafa4962
3 ай бұрын
During my recent visit to Aberdeen, I couldn't get enough of the beautiful landscapes, and with this music playing off at "the bottom of my head", such an amazing experience. Scotland truly is a lovely place.♥
My mom used to do catering and DJ for partys here in San Antonio and surrounding areas and she tells me stories of gigs or partys where she was at and Flaco would be there playing and drinking at the same time and even though he was sometimes falling off his stool, his accordion playing would never suffer. Great music, great culture, and a great man.
Grew up in Nebraska in Czech country but Hispanic immigrants started coming and so much of the music was this blend of Spanish and Central European traditions. I remember my dad sometimes listening to this style of music on the Spanish language station.
Congratulations to our friend and 5 time Grammy Award winner Flaco Jimenez, who will receive his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award today in Los Angeles! What an achievement, and well deserved by Mr. Flaco Jimenez.
Max Baca's work on the 12 string bajo sexto is also superb.
He’s ripping that thing lol so sick, what an absolute legend 🤘
I love you Flaco!!! Is he inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame? Or Hollywood star because he’s important. Library Congress needs to archive his music because it defines Tejano/Texas culture.
this is my favorite of all small desk sessions! esp. when Flaco says 7:50 "lets polka!"
I grew up up in New Braunfels, TX where Flacos dad began. My entire family grew up on this stuff and when the Wurstfest, a German festival held yearly in New Braunfels, rolled into town the accordion playing was intense.
@Me-eb3wv
2 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a good time
@thebluecollardrummer9032
Жыл бұрын
It's that time of year again, Wurstfest season. Going on right now down the street.
@DieterLo1
7 ай бұрын
@@thebluecollardrummer9032I heard from that Wurstfest in Texas. One of my Facebook-Friends is always there and sells Traditional Cloths from Bavaria.
I am from San Antonio Texas and I love this music tex mex the best Texas has to offer 4 great dancing and fun FLACO UR THE GREATES
El Rey de la acordion 👑
I'm back again, I never understood why the accordion has had a bad rep in us.. It has always been paired with the nerdy folks or snooty French players.. But in the south near the border it's the music of tradition.. Of the people.
What a marvelous tiny desk concert, Flaco is a national no a world treasure musician. His stuff with Ry cooder was just mind blowing. Hats off to the Bajo Sexto player which does an amazing rythmic and support job
this video content should literally be at 500k views in 2021..where the heck are all of the true Tejano fans at lol ?!
My absolute heart. Flaco has always been that connection and a bonding agent so to speak within our family. Gracias Señor !!! Dios te bendiga! ❤
Flaco will always be one of the greatest musicians, ever. Doesn't matter the style, he knows it. Texas Tornados were the best, but with the Texmaniacs Flaco keeps going, keeps teaching. GRACIAS!
Though I first heard Flaco in the background on tunes of famous country artists years before the Texas Tornadoes, I didn't know who he was. Every time I hear his accordion now, it takes me back to Corpus Christi, and beyond. WHAT A TALENT ... WHAT A TREASURE.
Truly this Best Accordion player ever! He’s also accompanied by one of the best guitarist! I’ve been Blessed to have seen them perform in my life time! God Bless them both!
Inconfundible Flaco Jimenez Y Max Baca, saludos desde Monterrey, que gran tesoro tienen estos 2 artistas a sus espaldas 👍.
My grandpa played with Flaco years ago in Germany!! My grandpa was also inducted into the tejano roots hall of fame for the bajo sexto!! Give him a look here on KZread Spotify or Apple Music, Luz Garza Y Su Conjunto!!!
@yolandasustaita4246
3 жыл бұрын
No one can play like flaco does He is the best I listen to his music 4 sheer pleasure.
@luzgarza22
2 жыл бұрын
@@yolandasustaita4246 my grandpa played with flaco, didn’t play the squeeze box he played bajo! And I beg to differ anyone was better than my grandpa! He taught Max Bacca the man playing with flaco here! Also recorded a top 10 with mingo saldivar! You don’t know conjunto if you don’t know Luz Garza, flaco knows! Don’t care what you think lol
I’m not even from Texas and I love this music!
¡El gran Flaco Jiménez! Greetings from Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. 🤙🏽 5-4
Get down Flaco!
Love Flaco Jimenez legend
Llegué a este video viendo musica country, me impactó ver al flaco Jiménez saludos desde España
NPRmusic No mention of The Texas Tornados on Flaco's bio? Flaco was a touring/recording member of the band with Freddy Fender and Doug Sahm. Sure, they didn't sell out stadiums like the Stones or Dylan, but an important band nonetheless. Great concert! Glad he could make it to y'all's office.
@josephtreesh5784
6 жыл бұрын
H. Read Davis We discovered Flaco through the music of Raul Malo and The Mavericks on "All you ever do is bring me down" Shouting "Here we go Flaco" with Raul is a must.
@Borat711
4 жыл бұрын
history is lost when people stay silent. thanks for sharing this!
@blindguitarfox
4 жыл бұрын
Bob Dylan even made an album with those folks!
@ceeweedsl
3 жыл бұрын
Yep. A critical band in Tejano history. And SO many others. Flaco has played with them all.
@kentexican5844
3 жыл бұрын
Though I'd first heard Flaco in the background as a player on tunes put out by famous country acts/artists for years before the Texas Tornadoes, I didn't know who he was until I picked up a Tornadoes album sometime in the late 90's. Every time I hear his accordion now, it takes me back to Corpus Christi, and beyond. Amazing talent!
max is a master of the bajo!
If you have Mexican family in Texas this hits different
@MattMntk
Жыл бұрын
Grandma would make caldo, fresh tortillas and salsa from the Piquin peppers that grew in the backyard while listening to this man. Man...I miss her and those times so much.
Flaco is a legend 💛
Flaco's sounding as good as ever. BRAW!
Love love love Absolutely love this!! Thank you for having Flaco on here!!!!!
I always think of my grandparents when I hear any Flaco tune. His sound is so distinctive. Thanks for preserving these memories on video.
A living legend. Max did a wonderful job, you can see the respect and love he has for his papa flaco. 🙏🙏🔐👑👑
Flaco! You are a treasure. Thank You!
amazing just simply amazing, ive grown to love my mexican heritage so much,
Música que no pasa de moda.
This is cool brothers and sisters. Thank you.😊😊legend.
Desde Colombia. Departamento del meta. Señor flaco Jiménez soy un seguidor y admirador de su música. Muchas muchas bendiciones. Y felicitaciones
Now I know why I like listening to Mexican radio when driving through central Florida. This is Polka!
Flaco has always been a favorite of mine, a true musical hero. I found him via the work he did with Ry Cooder, and never looked back,
Flaco makes me so happy
Muy bonito! Arriba Mexico!
Wow never heard of Joe Flaco. Ramon Ayala has always come to mind as an accordion player. Gonna start searching up Joe’s music as I learn the accordion 🔥
i came here without knowing any of Flacos successes and immediately became a fan... great songs
Elina Yusufova- I enjoyed how calming the melody and lyrics of this song is. The guitar and the accordion tunes play really well together.
I am not even from TX. Loooove this music!
My spirit soars on this music like a bird.
¡Grandes, Flaco y compañía!
This is pretty close to perfect. Thanks gentlemen.
Tommy Huang - Music that you can hear almost any day pleasantly. Their two voices are in sync to a single song.
Who is listening to this in 2022 ?
@rufusray
3 ай бұрын
2024 baby, and going strong....viva flaco!
@96driver
3 ай бұрын
@@rufusray3-31-24
@el_chief_dannyboy
3 ай бұрын
This will always be listened to since it is timeless music of the people of Texas
Dat is de trekzak van Dwayne Verheyden. ! Flaco du mos dem wahl teruk geve, he !!! Saludos de Jup oet Zitterdt
I honestly enjoy listening to these artists on NPR
May God Bless My Flaco Jimenez 🙏✝️❤️💐💐💐💐💐💐
Shanshan Huang- I am very enjoy listening to their performances because I feel that these two instruments, the button accordion and the guitar, merges together as well as the their solos. It seems to me that the lyrics is way of storytelling or express their personal experiences.
Ay,ay Flaco siempre me acompañas con tus canciones, soy féliz cantandolas y bailando.😍😍😍😍😘😘😘.
Inyoung choi- The combination of music and musical instruments is fantastic. Music that sings margaritas. It's clean and the two music notes are so beautiful.
Que chingón es escuchar música en español en este canal, saludos desde el ombligo de la Luna.
this was great. accordians are pimp as hell
I Love NPR !! Viva Texas , Flaco Jimenez is a Living Legend , Arriba Brownsville TX y Monterrey , Compadres 🤩😜
These guys are fantastic. Flaco is an absolute legend
Grande entre los grandes: el Flaco Jiménez.
always the best flacooooooooooooooo
Love this! Good on ya, Bob and Felix!
Flaco is the best!
Just Beautiful! Mr. Flaco Jimenez” you are most certainly the best! 🙏🏻♥️🎶🎵 I hope to have the honor to meet you one day. You were one of my Mamita’s favorite singers. Max Baca you are also an awesome musician! 👍🏼🎶 May God Bless You Both Always ✝️
This man is my patient ❤❤ always calls me lefty 😂 such a sweetheart
This is so excellent.
Timothy T - I really like how calm this song is, and yet it still has a joyous energy. The fact that the two are family adds to the homely vibe of the song as well.
Max And Flaco I Love You, Johnson City Texas. I spent time with Yal in Asuza California Taste of Texas 30 years at Nick and Pats
Texas legend.
Aiatt Nasreldin- This a traditional mexican song with the accordion kicking off the music followed by the guitar and the lyrics, great song.
Feng - The melody is beautiful. It makes me want to listen to it multiple times.
Yes, at 5:35 Flaco is massaging those buttons into long notes.
I FREAKING LOVE THE SOUND OF THE GUITAR & ACCORDION TOGETHER ! X D
Love it! Squeeze that box flaco! 💯
Adana Harris- I thought the combination of the guitar and accordion was beautiful until I heard the singing of the first song. I love harmony a lot and hearing the different ranges of their voice fit together so sweetly along with the instrumental - I really enjoyed this song. In the second and third songs, I can tell that the guitar is there to accompany the accordion. It's as if the accordion is singing it's own little tune.
Metele mano Flaco! Vamos!
Uff este Tiny Desk da sed de la mala
Flaquito! AINT IT FUN BEIMG FROM TEXAS!
Priceless.
¡Ay! ¡Que Lastima! ¡Que Lastima! ¡Que Lastima! ¡Que Lastima! ¡Que viva para siempre, el Flaquito!
I like when Flaco says "¿hacemos otra?" 3:45
Haven't had my FLACO and accordion fix in a while ! Necessary accordion 🪗 and thanks to Max Baca, et al... For being there 👍 Flaco has a song: The girls from Texas w/Ry Cooder or the original (1967) by Jimmie Lewis AND for having FLACO in the TINY CONCERT serie ! 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Love Flaco
Flaco is a legend🎉 That 12-string is beautiful also.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING,
this guys are awesome
Carlos Santana - The accordion in the song are iconic. The singers singing at the same time give the song an interesting melody.
Takes me home!!!!
Steve jordan and flaco Jimenez are in a league of their own! Flaco was the first coming and Steve was a virtuoso! Those two are the biggest names when it come to accordion playing in the Texas besides Bernal! Another accordion/ keyboard great is mr. Gary guajardo very underrated even in south Texas music
LEGEND
Legend
LEGEND.
Thats some good stuff!
It was quite interesting to see both playing and singing and then we get to hear them say a little bit about their story and past. I have never heard any of Flaco Jimenez's music, but I can tell he is talented, and could come up with a short song on the spot, which is great!