The word "conjunto" is a Spanish word that refers to a musical style or genre of music, and it can also refer to a group, like one of my favorite conjuntos, Eva Ybarra y Su Conjunto. The core instruments in a Tejano Conjunto band or group include the accordion, bajo sexto, bass, and drums. Tejano music involves more instrumentation and modern influences from other genres, such as latin pop, rock, rhythm and blues, and hip hop. What type of other genres or modern popular music do you think will influence Conjunto or Tejano music in the next decade?
Dr. Virginia Rivas Champion is the lead vocalist of Virginia y Valor. She has been influenced by the sounds of Tejano and Conjunto music, Mariachis, Trios, and a variety of other music genres throughout her life. Dr. Champion is also an accomplished professional in the field of education, yet her deep interest in music and singing led her to establish the group Virginia y Valor in 2018.
The group includes experienced and talented musicians from the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas, including: Chon Caballero (accordion), Rudy Garza, Jr. (keyboard), David Champion, Jr. (bajo sexto), Oscar Rios, Jr. (guitar), Mike Valdez (bass), and Minerva "Minnie" Loredo (drums). Together, they have created a unique style of Tejano Conjunto music. The Sound Engineer for our group is Benny Layton, Jr.
Virginia y Valor debuted with Como Han Pasado Los Anos on the "2019 Studio Sessions" album by Tejano Highway 281 and their "Amor Mio" album in 2020. Their 2021 CD, "Adelante", includes new original music and collaborations include "La Reina Es El Rey" featuring Shelly Lares and "My Angel Baby" featuring Toby Beau.
“El único modo de hacer un gran trabajo, es amar lo que haces.” - Steve Jobs
Press Photos
Adelante 2021
Amor Mio 2020
Solo Con El
La Reina Es El Rey, Feat. Shelly Lares