LA ONDA CHICANA

Little Joe y La Familia : Cumbia del Sol
From Que Bruto (Buena Suerte, 1972)

Latin Breed: Latin Breed Theme
From The Return of The Latin Breed (GCP, 1973)

(Editor’s note: Today’s guest poster is Chris Cardenas who’s just launched his own audioblog, Sonic Reducer.)

During the Civil Rights movements of the 60’s and 70’s, young Mexican-Americans were in search of their own identity. They were not Mexican enough in the eyes of older Mexicans, nor were they American enough for mainstream white America. As a result, the Chicano Movement was born. The music of this time reflects the bicultural environment that was influencing young
Chicanos. Commonly known as La Onda Chicana (The Chicano Wave) or Chicano Soul, this music is a conglomerate of traditional Mexican music, soul, funk, and R&B.

“Cumbia del Sol,” is an instrumental track off the album Que Bruto from Little Joe y La Familia. Little Joe was at the forefront of La Onda Chicana. Based out of Temple, Texas, Little Joe is considered one of the most important figures in the Tex-Mex music scene.

“I Turn You On,” by Latin Breed is a smokin‚ Isley Brothers cover that some say is funkier than the original. Latin Breed were one of the most popular bands to come out of San Antonio. “I Turn You On,” and “Latin Breed Theme,” display their trademark four part harmony horn lines… as thick and funky as a humid Texas night.