Son jarocho helps link past and future

Son jarocho, an upbeat, syncopated style of music, has had a resurgence in the last 10 to 15 years.   This year, L.A.-based band Quetzal won a Grammy for the son jarocho-influenced album ‘Imaginaries,’ showing that son jarocho is being recognized by the mainstream music industry.  Son jarocho provides a bridge to this heritage, yet at the same time, it’s a route to understanding the issues of modern day.   Influenced by African, Spanish and indigenous Mexican cultures, son jarocho has especially captivated young people in Los Angeles.  “We’re trying to tell stories of what’s really happening with our people and with people around the world, [and] we’re trying to tell our own stories.”  More about son jarocho is on Boyle Heights Beat.