Marcela Toledo/Staff Writer | Posted: Friday, May 5, 2006 12:00 am
BA chip off the old block.C That?s what Pepe Aguilar brings from his dad, the renowned Mexican singer, Antonio Aguilar.
And he is the first one to admit it.
BA lot of what I think and am comes from him,C said Pepe Aguilar in an interview with the Times, after his concert April 20 at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez.
BBut we also have many differences,C he continued. B I?m more daring, less traditional. I love experimenting. He always stuck with one way of doing things. We?re very different. Beginning with our height. I beat him by 10 centimeters.C
However, his face is the same as Antonio?s when he was young, though a bit more full. He even has the same little mustache that the Zacatecas charro sported in films in which he co-starred with Pedro Infante.
And if that weren?t enough, he has the same tone of voice as his father when he sings ranchera music. Plus, Pepe is also a full-fledged charro - he won a national championship in Mexico.
And what about his colorful language! When he jokes about his musicians, who he calls Bgueyes,C he does so with the same tone of voice as Antonio, who currently - as the song goes, Bnomas los recuerdaC (Bthey?re only rememberedC) - has been retired from the public stage for some time.
And that is where the differences begin: Pepe is a singer, composer, musician and producer. His dad sang, and acted a lot better than his son. Which is why Pepe says, BGet into acting again? God forbid! In films I?m horrible. Movies are only for the eyes. I?d like to buy all those films back and burn 'em,C he jokes.
Since his launch in 1987 - though he debuted three years earlier - he?s won a Grammy, and two nominations to the award; and seven Latin Grammy nominations. His 14th album BNo soy de nadieC (BI?m Nobody?sC) has sold 8 million copies.
He?s aware that at this moment, his career is Bin constant flux, in constant movement. It is a moment of growth. Of advancing to places never reached. And one step at a time, that?s what we?re doing. I?ve always been restless, musically speaking, and fate has allowed me to combine all my musical tastes,C he explained.
One of those steps has been his move to Los Angeles from his previous residence in Mexico City and Zacatecas. BHere (in the United States) people have fewer inhibitions. I plan on improving myself every day,C he said.
BI want to establish myself in this country,C he continued. BThis is the hour for Latinos. I want to be with my countrymen, not only Mexicans but all those who are Spanish speakers. Latinos are the the cornerstone of labor in this country. My countrymen here (in the United States) have to speak up for their rights,C he said referring to the protest marches against Measure HR4437.
As for the traditional suit he was wearing - a black charro outfit with silver buttons and dark green leather lapels, along with a large white hat - Pepe remarked, BI have a lot of respect not for being Antonio Aguilar?s son by for being an exponent of Mexican music.C
According to Pepe, his greatest pride is not having betrayed himself and gone against his ideals. And his worst fear is that of losing a loved one.
During the concert, and with his vast experience in front of a sold-out audience, Pepe kept them on the edge of their seats.
Adrián Salazar, of Santa María, bought eight ,95 tickets so his sisters and other relatives could come along. BI love his music; but my sister (Maribel Salazar, 22) loves both the music and the musician,C said the Zacatecas native, who also saw Pepe in concert in Pico Rivera during the farewell tour of Antonio Aguilar, accompanied by his wife, actress Flor Silvestre.
And it seems that from her, Pepe inherited the feeling with which he sings. Of course, he has the same manly attractiveness of his father, since he?s almost a replica of the man when he was younger.
BAntonio (Aguilar) had a more joyful style, more witty. The son sings with more feeling. His dad was more upbeat when he sang,C remarked Adolfo Martín, 48, who lives in Lompoc and has been listening to Pepe?s music since he performed with his dad.
The family mix worked to perfection. The audience remained at times in complete silence, captivated by the feeling of the songs the artist performed from the very bottom of his heart.
The fluctuating stage lights brought out his stature and personality. The audience raised their voices when he performed rancheras with his mariachi BEl Zacatecano,C which has accompanied him since he was 7 years old, according to one of its members.
People clapped copiously when he performed his greatest hits such as BPor mujeres como tú,C BMiedo,C BCredo,C as well as the popular, BEl Rey,C BAlbur de amorC and BCruz de Olvido.C
Tickets for the concert sold out in four days. Pepe and Juanes have been the Latinos who have sold the most tickets at the Chumash, reported Cammy Godeck, spokesperson for the company.
Marcela Toledo can be reached at 347-4599 or at mtoledo@santa mariatimes.com