“Latin American Beauty Queen”

We have had many questions about the song “Latin American Beauty Queen”. The song is a story of a young Mexican girl who wins a beauty contest, Miss Puebla. She becomes the girlfriend of a drug boss and her life is doomed from that point on. The story is a made up one but based on real events that have happened in Mexico. Latin girls are known for their incredible beauty and charm and beauty pageants are very popular in Latin America. Unfortunately, some of these girls end up in the company of drug lords.

The most famous of these beauties was Maria Susana Flores Gamez. She was crowned Woman of Sinaloa in February 2012. Sinaloa is a state in Western Mexico that is home to some of the biggest drug gangs. Susy, as she was called, began dating a known cartel member, “El Cholo”, sometime before her pageant competition. She kept it quiet from family and friends. In November 2012, in a confrontation between the military and drug gang members, Susy was gunned down by members of the military. She was only 20 years old. You can read a detailed account here:

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_22655097/beauty-queens-bright-future-snuffed-mexican-drug-violence

There is something surreal and poignant about these beautiful “flowers” of Mexico growing up and blooming in the area of some of the worst corruption and violence in our time. The song is a lament about these unlucky girls and wish for a better life for them and for all of Mexico.

The Making of Gringo Barrio

“Gringo Barrio” title track
Gringo Barrio

Well I’m right at home, in my Gringo Barrio
And there is no place that I would rather be
The living is good, right here in my Barrio
This Barrio will always be home to me.

Down on the Border, in old Laredo
Mariachi music and gritos fill the air
The smell of cabrito drifts in the breeze
A senorita’s smile, as pretty as you please

Now you know this place, it’s not for everyone
If you don’t like the culture, it might not be that fun
But as for me, it’s downright charming
So I hung my hat, and here I will stay till my time is done.

San Augustine Plaza, and old La Posada
And all the friendly faces at the Cadillac Bar
Time for a bootshine, on the streets of Guerrero
A handful of pesos, will take you real far

The sun burns hot, in my Gringo Barrio
The few streets with asphalt will burn your feet
One hundred degrees, sittin’ here in the shade
Pop a cool one, it sure goes down real sweet

Not everyone is from the same fabric
And you, may not culturally agree
But as for ME , the botas and huaraches
There’s no place that I’d would rather be

The Players

Image

Mike Jackson – guitar, vocals

Born and raised in Laredo, Texas. Attended public schools in Laredo and graduated with a BBA degree from the University of Texas at Austin, in the first Real Estate degree class.  Was among the first 30 agents for Keller-Williams Realty. Took guitar lessons in 5th grade and has been playing music all his life. Has been a professional musician in Austin for the past 40 years. Currently plays with Hotcakes and Murphy’s Inlaws.  Married to Mary for 31 years (and counting), and has one son, Oliver.  Previous bands include;  The 8 Balls, Saffron Mist, Wilcox & Jackson, Rick Stein & The Alley Cat Band, Your Move and Duck Soup, as well as others.

Richard “Sparky” Miller- songwriter, vocals

Born January 10th, 1953 at old Mercy Hospital on Jarvis Plaza in Laredo, Texas.  ‘Nuff said, I drank the water.  Played bongos and sang for ‘Los Cucarachos’  (little Mike Jackson, Hank Sames and myself) in the 5th grade and have loved music all my life.  A druggist by profession, military officer by choice and songwriter at heart.  “If this is my 15 minutes of fame, it is a damn fine 15 minutes.”

Hank Sames- vocals, songwriter

Born and raised in Laredo, Texas. Attended the University of Texas and returned to Laredo after graduation. Took guitar lessons in the 5th Grade with Mike Jackson and played in a band, “The 8 Balls” in Jr High. Have been a car dealer all my adult life, but now semi-retired and writing songs and making music. I love the border and Mexico. Wee are trying to create a music that reflects the feel of both Mexico and Texas.

Chip Dolan- keyboards, accordion

I was conceived, raised, and trained in northern New Jersey…playing music for a living since i was 16…..hitchhiked to Austin, Texas in 1982. Began touring the southwest in 1983. I have been lucky enough to manage to make a living performing, recording and teaching music while based in Austin. Became a dad in to Noah Dolan in 1988. I put out a record in 2005 “Right Now” Some of the folks I have toured with and/or recorded with are : Crystal Image, Hotcakes, Tish Hinojosa,  Bruce Robison,  Charlie Robison, Kelly Willis, Sara Hickman, Shelley King, Raul Malo and the Mavericks, Radney Foster, Monte Montegomery, Sister C, Christine Albert & Chris Gage, Greg Trooper, Tracie Lynn,  Marvin Dykhuis, Danny Britt, Sam Baker, Jimmy Lafave.

Craig Calvert – Guitar, Vocals:

Originally hailing from Houston, Texas, multi-instrumentalist Craig Calvert is a founding member of the bands Wheatfield, St. Elmo’s Fire, CPR, The Sweaters, Hotcakes and Murphy’s InLaws. During his career, he has appeared on Austin City Limits, was commissioned to co-write the music for a world premiere by the Houston Ballet company and has had his songs recorded by other musical artists including Lyle Lovett. Craig also co-founded the Austin Songwriter’s Group and has served on the Texas Recording Academy’s board of governors. Calvert is currently writing, recording and performing his own music along with selections from his favorite songwriters.

Joe Resnick- drums, percussion. 

Native Detroiter, who learned his drum and percussion trade in the motor city. Played as an extra for the Detroit Symphony for 12yrs, had 2 albums on 2 major labels with Detroit rock band “Letter O”, and played many big band shows backing many stars. Living and playing full time in Austin TX. for many years, and happily so.

Boo Resnick – Bass

I’m from Detroit, where I grew up influenced by diverse musical styles, from Motown and Bob Seger to the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Harry Belafonte and Peter, Paul and Mary. I’ve been playing professionally for more than 40 years – rock, R&B, bluegrass, swing, country, standards, you name it. I’ve been in Austin since 1975 and have recorded and traveled with numerous groups and am now enjoying being the bassist for Hotcakes.

GRINGO BARRIO “Son of a Bitch”

This is one of the first songs we wrote. About a redneck who listens to no one and lives life the way he sees fit. Does not give a damn about what anyone thinks. This video is in the studio early in the recording process so sound quality is not great, but you get the idea. Chip Dolan at the piano, Chris Gage at the controls, and Mike “TBird” Jackson on guitar.