On
El Ave de Mi Sonar: Mexican Sones Huastecos
, the Mexican trio
los Camperos de Valles
performs songs in the huasteco tradition particular to a northeastern region of Mexico. The 14 tracks are characterized by a merry blend of violin, staccato guitar strums, and insistent driving tempos, with upper-register vocals that often trail off into yet higher notes. In common with many folkloric recordings of this type, the variety on these relatively short numbers isn't enormous to those without an ear for the style. There are some touches that add texture and spice, however, like the percussive dancing shoes of
Rosa Flores
on some tracks, the use of minor melodies on some tunes, and the way a sudden laugh interrupts the melodrama of
"The Rose."
The booklet includes both Spanish and English lyrics, which heavily emphasize, as much Mexican traditional music does, songs of romantic jubilation, longing, and heartbreak. ~ Richie Unterberger