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La Bamba
A traditional song created in the Mexican state of Veracruz over 300
years ago. Influenced by Spanish flamenco and Afro-Cuban beats, the song
utilizes the violin, jaranas, guitar, and harp, and is sung in falsetto.
Lyrics to the song greatly vary, as performers often improvise verses
while performing. However, versions (such as those by musical groups
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and Los Pregoneros del Puerto) have
survived due to the artists’ popularity and have become the “definitive”
versions. The traditional aspect of "La Bamba" lies in the tune itself,
which remains the same through all versions. The name of the dance,
which has no direct English translation, is presumably connected with
the Spanish verb bambolear, meaning "to shake".
El Mariachi
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