Los Carácuaros play traditional music from southwestern Mexico's Tierra Caliente. This hauntingly beautiful style from the states of Michoacán and Guerrero includes both vocal and instrumental sones, gustos, waltzes, pasodobles, polkas, marches and even an overture or two. Folk violinist Serafín Ibarra is considered the musical heir to the legendary Juan Reynoso, a 92-year-old musician who brought international recognition to this relatively obscure style in recent years. His accompanists are Joaquin García on guitar; Francisco Rivera on jarana and tamborita; and Samuel Villaseñor on bass. Ibarra composed seven of the 12 pieces on this CD. The others are from musicians who lived in the hey day of calentana music in the early and mid- 20th century.

The CD comes with a 16-page booklet in English and Spanish that defines the style and provides background to each piece. It also has a map locating the area.

What people say:

"The Carácuaros are the best thing happening in Tierra Caliente after Juan Reynoso. They will take son calentano into the 21st century." --Juan Diés, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, Illinois

"As soon as I put Los Carácuaros on our store stereo, people hearing it started streaming in. Everyone wanted to find out what it was and buy it." Lisa Bias, Dusty Strings Acoustic Music Shop, Seattle, Washington

"In the world of traditional music, there occasionally arises a star that reflects the great tradition that came before and yet brings in a new light. Serafin with Los Carácuaros is that new star of the Tierra Caliente. His virtuosity and vision promise a giant revitalization of this noble music tradition." Bertram Levy, Founder of the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes

"Serafin Ibarra is as strong a player as I've heard in his generation." Paul Anastasio, Seattle fiddler known as "the gringo calentano"