Vicente Fernandez performs in Ontario. (Herald News photo by Alejandro Cano)
By ALEJANDRO CANO
Published: Friday, May 18, 2012 2:07 PM PDT
To describe the "Charro" attire the great Vicente Fernandez wears in each show (as he has done it for the last 45 years) is relatively easy; but trying to find adjectives that best describe the passion and excitement unleashed by fans with each verse sung to the mariachi rhythm is simply indescribable.
Singing for nearly four hours, "El Rey" of Ranchera music captivated more than 10,000 fans on May 14 during the first concert of his “farewell tour” at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.
Dressed in a black charro suit with golden buttons, a belt buckle bearing his initials, an embroidery hat in gold thread with precious stones and a brown suede boots, Fernandez sang dozens of songs after his son Vicente Fernandez Jr. opened the show.
The star, who has sold more than 50 million albums since he began his career in Mexico City with the album "The Voice That You Awaited,” performed classic songs of yesteryear such as "La Ley del Monte,” "Cruz de Olvido,” "Por tu Maldito Amor,” "Volver, Volver,” and "El Rey,” with which "Chente" shook the foundation of the Arena with his powerful voice.
Fernandez, who is also the winner of many major awards for traditional Mexican music, also played romantic songs such as "De que Manera te Olvido,” "Me Basta,” "A Pesar de Todo,” "De Siete a Nueve,” and "A Escondidas,” among others.
As a highlight of the night, Fernandez sang "Madrecita Querida" for the first time in 30 years in honor of Mother's Day.
With tears in his eyes, "Chente" vocalized memorable phrases that touched the emotions of the persons in attendance, but especially those (such as this reporter) who have endured the biggest pain a human being can ever suffer: losing a mother.
Requesting permission with decency, as only the greatest singers can, Fernandez sang "El Hombre que mas te Amo" twice, in honor of his children Alejandro, Gerardo and Vicente Jr., who plans to resume his career once his father retires.
Visibly moved, Fernandez said goodbye to the Inland Empire, but not before offering several songs along with his son to the rhythm of mariachi Azteca. "El Rey" happily and romantically sang songs written by "El Divo de Juarez" Juan Gabriel and brought laughs to the public with the song "Los Mandados,” dedicated to "The Woman from Arizona,” referring to Gov. Jan Brewer. The song talks about how despite deportations, people will continue coming to the U.S. because the country needs cheap labor.
Thus, between sips of alcoholic drinks and smokes, Fernandez said goodbye to his people -- people of all races, ages, and social status.
In the coming days, weeks and months, Fernandez will visit 24 different cities before returning to Southern California with his last concert in Los Angeles on Nov. 29.
Fernandez announced his retirement last February, saying he wants to spend time with his family. He will be certainly missed; however, some say he will return to fill arenas all over the world and to spread love among those who call him "El Rey.” Although "El Rey" has not died, Long Live the King! Long Live Vicente Fernandez!
http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/articles/2012/05/18/entertainment/doc4fb68163dd44b797142405.txt
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário