Mono Blanco (White Monkey) GroupInternationally aclaimed Mono Blanco band is the leader of the "renovating movement" that the son jarocho –the traditional music of the southern mexican State of Veracruz– is now experiencing.
Renovadores have concentrated on preserving the fandango setting (the traditional celebratory environment of the son jarocho), as well as stressing the Afro-caribbean aspects of their music and the preponderance of improvisation, talent and good taste within the strict rules of the genre.
Visitors who are not familiar with the son jarocho are welcome to click on the image for a brief introduction about the subject.Mono Blanco is basically a quintet but depending on circumstances they can offer concerts with less or more musicians.
Since their beginning in 1978, Mono Blanco has given concerts all around their country and in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, Central and South America, the United States and Canada. Although we do not have an english translation of the group´s page Trayectoria, please browse around it anyway; international performances appear in blue font.
Mono Blanco has a unique sound firmly rooted in an ancient and rich tradition, and supported by a group of musicians endowed with great talent and inspiration.At this point visitors are invited to read an article by Eugene Rodriguez.
Aside from their work as interpreters, Mono Blanco participates in many activities related to the development and promotion of the son jarocho. They organize, in particular, workshops about every aspect of the son: making and playing jarocho instruments, "versada" (the art of writing jarocho verses) and dance.
It should be enhanced that jarocho instruments –jaranas and guitarras de son– produced by Mono Blanco members and apprentices –and "renovators" in general– are made according to very old traditional methods originated in the "rural interpretation" of barroque and rennaisance traditions.
For a very brief introduction to jarocho instruments you may visit www.loscenzontles.com/overview.html.
