The musical group Ronstadt Generations has released a collection of patriotic songs in time for the Fourth of July, with a portion of the proceeds going to help support the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). The collection, "America, Our Home," was recorded in Mexican musical styles to express the pride that the Latino community feels for the U.S., according to a news release.
"Latinos have been an important part of this country for generations, with a long history of patriotic service that extends to today, when many immigrants undertake military and other public service out of devotion to the United States," said Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF.
Saenz says the release comes during a time when pundits and politicians seek to demonize Latinos despite their longstanding loyalty to this country.
"This innovative collection musically demonstrates that Latinos are among those who regularly defend our nation from those who would undermine our Constitution and our nation," he said.
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The songs on the collection, all performed in English, include "America the Beautiful," "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "This Land Is Your Land."
The original arrangements include musical styles such as bolero, cumbia and son jarocho, using traditional Mexican instruments such as the 12-string bajo sexto guitar, the Mexican harp, the jarana guitar that resembles a ukulele, and the percussion instrument quijada de burro made from a donkey's jaw.
Cello, bass, acoustic guitar and saxophone were also used, creating a unique sound for the recordings.
To listen to excerpts from the EP, click here. The music will be available for digital download starting July 3 by clicking here.
The song arrangements were developed under the musical leadership of Michael J. Ronstadt, the younger brother of recording artist Linda Ronstadt, whose "Canciones de mi Padre" collection of mariachi music became the biggest selling non-English album in recording history.
Playing a key role in the arrangements was Francisco Gonzalez, a co-founder of the band Los Lobos and a former musical director of Teatro Campesino.
