"Got Mexican-American War Martial Music?" Topic

Okay, here's another poser for my Brother Wizards.

As part of my total immersion process when entering a new period (something my wife NEVER said), I like to add to the history and "hard data" the contemporary arts as well. The Paintings, poetry, and not least the music go a long way to to get into the "soul" of a time and mindsets.

I very much wish to acquire AUTHENTIC Martial Music of the Mexican Army (U.S., too) for the period of the Mexican War, preferably on CD, though I can convert LP's and Casettes to CD.

I have Googled extensive and varied search strings, but to little result.

There was an LP called "Remember The Alamo" which was NOT the album of the same name by Asleep At The Switch (and which I do not want). It was offered at one time by a book seller, but he was out and couldn't even remember the manufacturer! It was supposed to have Mexican fife and drum music from the era of the Alamo, as well as some tunes the Texicans would have known, as well as the indispensable DeGuello. If anyone knows what this might be, please let me know!

There is nothing authentic (but everything enjoyable) on the "Wayne-amo" Soundtrack by Dmitiri Tiomkin, and the new "Alamo" doesn't have any of the source music used in the film. (The "Deguello de Crocket" is neat, but not a complete statement of the Deguello). I have portions from the Mexican Army Band Book, and the Deguello provided is that played in the new film.

I am expecting a CD called "Scotland Remembers The Alamo" which also claims to have Mexican Army drum and bugle music, but I'll have to see how appropriate this will be.

So, that leaves me to ask if anyone out there knows how to contact anyone in Mexico, if no where else, who can tell me what historical music collections are available that would represent the Mexican Army in the first half of the 19th Century?

This sounds almost like ethnography material to me, and maybe that's how I should think of it?

If anyone can actually help me find what I want, I can offer the vague promise of a gratis copy of the new rules, "Gone To See The Elephant" when they are published.

Hoping for the best from you all,

TVAG

Patrick, email the nefarious "Dow the Programmer" your old buddy the Bengal Club webmaster. Clever Dow made wonderful CDs of Mexican martial music for the club members one or two Christmas-times ago.

You might be able to talk him into a trade for some of your excellent publications.

Good luck. I couldn't find any and I live in Texas.

Dear Chick,

Okay! I'll definitely check with our Brother Wizard, Dow.

Shagnasty, thank you for trying. There are some great items in your many museums of which I was able to find useful photos or other info, but I also never got a hint of anything of the kind I'm looking for down there.

I hope any of the Brethren who see this thread will not pass the chance to add something to it if possible!

Thanks again,

TVAG

Not that it helps much, but I was once told that the reason
Mexicans call North Americans "Gringos" is that one of the marching songs of that war was "Green Grow the Rashes O"
Anyone know if this is true?

TC

Dear TOPCAT,

The way I've heard it, the song was "Green Grow The Lilacs," and "Gringo" was a corruption of that title. Supposedly, US troops sang it often enough for it to be universally associated with them.

I've also heard it dates from the Mexican War, but also as late as Pershing's 1916 Expedition.

Indeed, I've also heard that "Gringo" was originally "Green Go!" as in reference to the OD color uniforms worn in 1916.

I suspect that if the truth be told, none of these legends are the whole story, but I know no more than this.

You're right, this point is wide of my mark, but it's still one of those little "history's mysteries" that's neat to know.

Thanks,

TVAG

Unfortunately, the Mexican American War is too early for my beloved mariachi music. ;-)

Dear ElainP,

IMHO, Mariachi Music IS a weapon of war! Probably devised to chase us bloody Anglo's off the field with our hats pulled down over our ears and our fingers stuck through them to block out that SOUND!

TVAG

That "Remember the Alamo" cassette collection of period music does not seem to have ever come out on CD, and is now OP. used to be sold at San Jacinto, the Alamo, and through some militaria book sellers. I've been meaning to convert my copy to digital -- this should be my goad. Shoot me a private message with your mailing info and I'll get you a copy in exchange for postage costs.

I've also got some period music from the war of 1812, military band and fifes/drums, that is probably still OK for the gringos. I suppose most (but not all) of the ACW era stuff is too anachronistic. You should definitely go shopping for Dean Shostak's "Davy Crockett's Fiddle" CD -- all period music from the 1830s played by a combination of period instruments, including an antique fiddle held by the Witte Museum (San Antonio) possibly once belonging to Crockett.

For the Mexicans, you can also always use most Napoleonic French or Spanish military music you can find -- they would have borrowed a lot of that.

Be fun to have though.