Las Tres Senoras

Wow, this is an excellent example of Mexican Ranchera music. Only Juan Gabriel could've put together such a fantastic roster of Mexican talent. While the Tres Senoras are clearly past their prime on this recording (Lola Beltran passed away after the recording), they still shine and remind us why they make their country proud. Viva Mexico! Y Viva Las Tres Senoras!

Juan Gabriel has long established himself as the living repository of recent Mexican popular music traditions, and he called on all his knowledge, talent, considerable skill as an arranger and unequaled connections to produce this tribute album. However, it is far more of than a celebration of the three estimable divas in question, and their all-star male colleagues who appear as well. Especially in the opening and closing tracks Oberatura Mexicana I and II, it takes the essence of Mexican popular musical culture of the past 50 years, rolls them up into a neat little ball and presents them in all their glory. It's celebratory, nationalistic, subtle and over-the-top at the same time, and absolutely magnificent. Gabriel concludes the CD with an impassioned cry, "viva Mexico." Indeed.