Study Notes on La Onda Chicana and the Chicano Movement
La Onda Chicana: Introduction
- Time Period: 1960s and 1970s.
- Context: Mexican Americans actively involved in radical changes during this era, primarily through the Chicano movement.
- Related Movements:
- Civil Rights Movement
- Labor Movement led by Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers.
La Onda Chicana: Definition and Meaning
- Term: "La Onda Chicana"
- Translation: "The Brown Sound"
- Significance: Represents the signature musical style of the Chicano generation in the 1960s.
Anthem of the Movement
- Key Song: "Clouds"
- Popular Rendition: Performed by Little Joey La Familia.
- Original Artist: Written and recorded by Wally Almendarez in 1962.
- Musical Style: Traditional genre reflecting the cultural heritage of Mexican Americans.
Musical Analysis of "Clouds"
- Arrangement Style:
- Format: Rooted in the Orguesta dance band format which is similar to big band swing ensembles.
- Genre Influences:
- Tejano music.
- Rock and roll influence evident through instrumentation (electric guitar and electric organ). - Vocal Style: Sung in "duetto" style, which features a duet between two vocalists.
Musical Elements of "Clouds"
- Genre Blending:
- Combines various musical styles:
- Rock and roll
- Mexican ranchera
- Tejano polka.
- Instrumentation Includes:
- Jazz chordal progressions.
- Mariachi style trumpet riffs. - Thematic Content of Lyrics:
- Themes: Despair and misery of an individual beaten down by life.
- Counteracting Tone: Despite the heavy themes, the lively polka dance tempo adds an uplifting contrast.
Specific Musical Features
- Key and Modes: Major key used throughout the song.
- Gritos: Pitched yells heard at the beginning of the song, enhancing the emotive quality.
- Instrumental Interludes:
- Characteristic Features: Sustained jazz chords in string and horn sections.
- Imagery: Represents clouds passing by, contributing to the song's imagery and thematic expression.