¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

The official FIRST SONG I HEARD FOR 2009 was one of those gems that could become lost if not for compilations such as Arhoolie's "PACHUCO BOOGIE: HISTORIC MEXICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC-VOL. 10."
"FRIJOLE BOOGIE" is a 1949 instrumental by virtuoso jazz guitarist JORGE CÓRDOBA.
Known as "El Guitarista de las Americas," Córdoba was born in Stockton, Calif., but raised in (my birthplace) OAKLAND.
Córdoba played with his hero, DJANGO REINHARDT, in France and recorded for Dot Records.
He died in obscurity in Oakland, however, and his music might we have been lost without Arhoolie's efforts.
For more information on Arhoolie and its catalog of vintage blues, country, Cajun and R&B music, visit the Web site, here.
Happy New Year from ROUTE 1!