Arhoolie, 1999

The Grammy Award-winning Norteña accordionist Flaco Jiménez has produced such a prodigious amount of material that a compilation surveying some of his better-known works from the last ten years is a welcome sight. Although The Best of is a somewhat misleading title for this CD since it does not include work he has done with major recording artists like The Rolling Stones, Los Lobos, and Dwight Yoakam, this new release nevertheless captures the magic of his spirited accordion as he works it through the paces on the rancheras, boleros, and polkas that form the center of tejano music. Starting with a rachera by his legendary father, Santiago, Jiménez covers many traditional favorites and includes a few works of more recent vintage as well. The liner notes by Arhoolie’s founder Chris Strachwitz briefly trace Jiménez’s career and provide English and Spanish versions of the lyrics.