Canción Mexicana: Piñata in a Pine Tree — A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas

In her book, Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas, Pat Mora takes a centuries-old Christmas song and replaces the traditional gifts of partridges, lords a-leaping and maids-a-milking with piñatas, tamales, luminarias, and more.

And eight of Colorado’s best vocalists gathered at KUVO to record it. It was a day of music, laughter, immeasurable talent, and a sprinkling of holiday spirit. Some of the participants had never worked together. But in less than three hours, they became a musical powerhouse that showcased their individual talents.

Matt Bassano set the tempo with his dulcet piano. From KUVO’s Morning Set and Jazz Odyssey, Abi Clark’s smile can be heard as she started everything off “on the first day of Christmas...” The fun continued with Felicia Gallegos Pettis, who has graced many a stage, and Valarie Castillo. Their beautiful voices added depth and excitement to the project. Rick Garcia (The Rick Garcia Band), Erv Lucero (Mood Express), Richard Baca (Sierra Gold), Larry Lobato Jr. (Chicano Heat), and Tomás Cordova (Los Traviesos) all took time from their own bands to make the other days of Christmas come alive.

Of course, all vocalists know that they can belt it out, but if the microphones and engineering and all the technical aspects aren’t working perfectly, their vocals won’t shine. Mark Montour-Larson and Klaus Larson engineered the fabulous recording you’ll hear. The creature comforts of water, tamales, and a welcoming smile for all the performers and their guests were compliments of Sarah Newberry.

They say it takes a village, and making a quality recording of a 5-minute Christmas song is no exception. The project was produced by Flo Hernández-Ramos, but it was everyone volunteering their time and talent that made the dream come true.

Listen to Canción Mexicana on Sunday, November 30, for the debut of Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas to hear what this village created for your holiday enjoyment.