Dueto Alegre

Performer: Raul "El Ruco" Martinez
Producer: Chris Strachwitz (Compilation)
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Personnel: Raul Martinez (vocals, accordion); Juan Gonzalez (vocals, bajo sexto). Recorded in the early 50's. Personnel: Raul "El Ruco" Martinez (vocals, accordion); Juan Gonzalez (vocals, bajo sexto); Jesus Maya (vocals). Liner Note Author: Chris Strachwitz. Editor: Chris Strachwitz. This CD compiles 21 sides recorded by Martinez (often as part of Dueto Alegre, with Juan Gonzalez on bajo sexto and vocal) for the Falcon and Ideal labels between 1948 and 1956, making for a good document of one of the lesser-known early conjunto music pioneers. For the record, Gonzalez isn't Martinez's only vocal duet partner here; Jesus Maya and Jos� Vela sing with Martinez on some sides, and Martinez sings some tunes alone. Whoever's doing the singing, it's good if similar-sounding conjunto, the vocal harmony numbers broken up by some instrumental polkas and waltzes. The slower cancions stand out more than the peppier tunes, as they bring out the doleful qualities in the Martinez-Gonzalez vocal blend, while the instrumental waltz "Me Queda Ti Recuerdo" is a good showcase for the more inventive and varied features of Gonzalez's bajo sexto work (though he sounds out of tune on another instrumental waltz, "Dominga"). All tracks but one were remastered from original 78s and test pressings, leading to unavoidable surface noise, but it's never at such a high level that it seriously distracts from the listening experience. ~ Richie Unterberger

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