Many
of the rhythms associated with Mexican music are represented on this CD by one
of that country’s top mariachi bands. That the genre has become associated with
a tourist brochure image of Mexico
is unfortunate, given its potential for soulful expression. Mariachi Los
Camperos de Nati Cano lives up to that potential, performing songs originating
from the early 20th century with gusto in arrangements that are sweepingly
cinematic yet never florid. The English translation of the album’s title,
“Love, Hurt and Tears,” sketches out the music’s emotional range.