Conjunto Jardin June 28, 2007

Updating and reinvigorating the lively son jarocho of Veracruz, Mexico, Los Angeles-based Conjunto Jardín features sisters Libby and Cindy Harding. Their sibling vocals ride atop hard-charging jaranas, driving cajón-and-bass rhythm section and sparkling harp-like keyboards to create a fresh, modern sound that is at once faithfully traditional, yet at the same time possessed of a rock-influenced drive and accessible edge. The group was nominated for Best Latin/Salsa Artist in the 2003 L.A. Weekly Music Awards.The musical heart of son jarocho is the rhythmic and chordal framework provided by the jarana, a small guitar-type instrument with five courses of strings, at least 3 of which are double (making a total of 8-10 strings). The jaranas are constructed in different sizes. Against this the harp improvises, diamond-bright arpeggios and melodies over a syncopated bass pattern. The small four-string requinto guitar (also called guitarra de son) plucked with a cow-horn pick (pua) improvises more percussive melodies.

Cindy and Libby started playing jarocho music as children, learning from and performing with their father, renowned Latin American scholar and musician Timothy Harding (“El Gran Tigre”), and his group Los Tigres de la Sierra. They have further honed their skills with trips to Veracruz and by studying with master jarocho musicians in Mexico and the U.S. Both played key roles in seminal ’80s nueva canción group Sabiá: Cindy co-founded the ensemble while at Brown University in 1976, and Libby’s original songs and “deceptively delicate” lead vocals defined the band’s core sound. After singing together for more than 25 years, the sisters achieve that special vocal blend unique to siblings.

FREE

Official Website: http://www.levittpavilionpasadena.org/calender_artist.php?artist_id=60&date=2007-06-28&pos=2