Percy Faith And His Orchestra – Viva! The Music Of Mexico

Percy Faith And His Orchestra – Viva! The Music Of Mexico

Originally released in 1958 on Columbia Records, Viva! The Music Of Mexico is one of Percy Faith's classic orchestral albums, transforming a selection of Mexican songs and Latin standards into lush, polished arrangements characteristic of the golden age of easy listening. The album was recorded in New York in October 1957 and presents Faith's orchestra at its most colourful, combining sweeping strings, rhythmic percussion and sophisticated orchestration with instantly recognisable melodies.

The programme opens with Agustín Lara's “Granada”, followed by traditional and popular Mexican favourites including “La Golondrina”, “La Cucaracha”, “Chiapanecas”, “Estrellita” and “El Rancho Grande”. Faith's arrangements give these familiar melodies a distinctly orchestral character, sitting comfortably between easy listening, traditional pop and the Latin-influenced instrumental music that became a major part of his Columbia catalogue.

The second side continues with “La Paloma”, “Be Mine Tonight (Noche De Ronda)”, the lively “Mexican Hat Dance (Jarabe Tapatio)” and “Guadalajara”, before the medley “Zandunga; Jesusita En Chihuahua” and the closing tracks “Cuanto Le Gusta” and “Solamente Una Vez”. The repertoire brings together traditional Mexican material with celebrated songs by composers including Agustín Lara, Manuel Ponce, Sebastián Yradier and Pepe Guízar.

Percy Faith was one of the most successful arrangers and orchestra leaders of the American easy-listening era, known for his rich string arrangements and highly polished orchestral sound. Viva! The Music Of Mexico sits alongside albums such as Malagueña: Music Of Cuba, Music Of Brazil! and Exotic Strings as part of his fascination with Latin American repertoire and international musical styles.

For collectors of Percy Faith, easy listening, orchestral pop, lounge and vintage Latin-influenced instrumental music, this 1958 Columbia album is an excellent example of the sophisticated studio-orchestra sound that defined the era. It is particularly appealing to fans of classic beautiful music and mid-century orchestral records, with familiar melodies given the unmistakable Percy Faith treatment.

Side A

1. Granada
2. La Golondrina (The Swallow)
3. La Cucaracha (The Mexican Cockroach Song)
4. Chiapanecas (The Mexican Hand-Clapping Song)
5. Estrellita (My Little Star)
6. El Rancho Grande (My Ranch)
7. La Paloma (The Dove)

Side B

1. Be Mine Tonight (Noche De Ronda)
2. Mexican Hat Dance (Jarabe Tapatio)
3. Guadalajara
4. Zandunga; Jesusita En Chihuahua (The Dancing Donkey)
5. Cuanto Le Gusta
6. Solamente Una Vez (You Belong To My Heart)