In a genre (conjunto) dominated by men, Eva Ybarra has done more than hold her own — she has become a master. Born in San Antonio, Ybarra is a self-taught accordionist who began playing in clubs and restaurants at age six. Her fluid style and fast, melodic runs set her apart and earned her the nickname, “la reina de acordeón” (queen of the accordion). Today, after years of performing solo and with her own group, she teaches accordion and inspires the next generation of conjunto musicians.
A profile of Ybarra in today’s San Antonio Express-News covers her music, her teaching, and the challenges she has faced as a rare female accordionist in the conjunto world. If you’ve never heard her play, check out the title track from her 1994 album, A Mi San Antonio:
Eva Ybarra: A Mi San Antonio (MP3 download)
2 Comments:
Hey Chis -
Thanks for this great story on Eva Ybarra. I posted a notice and link to it on the Reyes Accordions Forum. I have listened to Eva Ybarra several times in San Antonio. She developed a unique style learning on her own, using more chords than many of the other San Antonio players who rely more on intervals and single notes. She’s performing at 8 pm on Sat. May 12 at the Tejano Conjunto Festival in San Antonio this year.
Regards,
John
by John Jennings on March 30th, 2007
Thanks John. I can’t believe I forgot to mention the Tejano Conjunto Festival — it’s even on our calendar!
by Chris on March 30th, 2007