Tortillas de Maiz

10. Tortillas de Maiz 2:35 (Key of G)
I scored films and exhibits for the National Steinbeck Center
in Salinas, California. Part of this work included writing a piece
at the director’s request to reflect Steinbeck’s early life in Salinas.
So I looked to the Mexican braceros for my inspiration. In
1978, Beverly Smith had shown me the delightful polka
“Jesusita en Chihuahua.” I also learned a great version from
Mexican fiddler Jose Prieta while working at Tiki Studios in San
Jose. A few years later, I learned another fine Mexican polka,
“Las Perlitas.” I thought I’d try my hand at creating the joy and
energy I heard in these two pieces. Thanks to Javier Vargas for
the “gritos.”
Vihuela - Javier Vargas
Guitarrón - Luis Diaz
Gritos - Javier Vargas
Trumpets - Rik Siverson, Rogelio Cervantes
Fiddle - Joe Weed