The Texicana Mamas Review

The Texicana Mamas are bringing a new style to Tex Mex. The three talented Latina members are Tish Hinojosa, Stephanie Urbina Jones, and Patricia Vonne. All are songwriters, and all grew up in and around San Antonio. Through their shared Tex Mex upbringing, they have connected to each other because of their shared roots and created a new album titled The Texicana Mamas. The album has ten songs that have a distinctive flavor and involve the search for something more in life and love. The trio co-wrote three of the ten songs on the self-titled album (including the appropriately titled “Amigas De Corazon” or “Friends at Heart”) and co-produced the record themselves. The other seven tracks include cuts written by themselves, notable artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Cedar Rosas, among others.

“Abundancia” features all three singers individually and singing in harmony. There is even spoken word. The message is positive, and the instrumentation is authentic Tex Mex. A soaring violin melody is a powerful moment. The three singers harmonize well together, and the overall sound and band layers are balanced and easy to hear.

Cesar Rosas’ “Canción del Mariachi” is performed to aural perfection. The energy is festive, and the three singers are obviously having fun. Each singer has a distinct solo voice, but the harmonies are still rich and blend. This song sounds of traditional Mexican music. The violin, guitar, and percussion are all played and recorded excellently. This is festive music with a passion.

Each vocalist sings a song as the lead. Hinojosa’s lead vocals can be heard for the majority of “Viva La Patria” (“Long Live the Country”). Vonne’s incredible voice takes us through “Canción del Mariachi” (“The Song of the Mariachi”), and Urbina Jones leads her own “Esperanza.”

The Texicana Mamas is a beautiful collection of arrangements and originals sung by three outstanding vocalists. The music is stirring, and the Tex Mex influence is authentic and feels real. Be sure to jump on this one; you will not be disappointed.

The Texicana Mamas: Website