Beto Villa's pioneering sound

While CHARLIE PARKER blew his way through New York's 52nd street clubs, another ALTO SAXOPHONE player helped launch another musical revolution in the dance halls of south TEXAS.

BETO VILLA merged the Mexican-American music of his heritage with the popular jazz sounds of the day.

The result was ORQUESTA TEJANA, a pioneering musical form that helped pave the way for TEJANO music.

I've been listening to a lot of Beto Villa y Su Orquesta in this seemingly unrelenting hot weather.

It's thrilling to hear Villa's early attempts to blend genres, while also imagining how these fresh sounds drew La Raza to the dance floors.

You should try it sometime.