Founded by Professor Fermin Herrera in 1973, Conjunto Hueyapan of Oxnard, California is a family group consisting of four brothers (Andres, Fermin, Jorge, and Tomas), their sister (Maria Isabel), and Fermin's two sons (Xocoyotzin and Motecuhzomah). The family group has dedicated itself to the performance and research of the son Jarocho and has conducted several research projects that have resulted in the documentation and preservation of the son mexicano in general and of the son jarocho in particular. It has performed in colleges, universities, and concert halls throughout the United States and Mexico. Group members learned to play under the guidance of master musicians in Mexico City and Veracruz, such as Lino Chavez, Mario Barradas, Nicolas Sosa, and others.
Although the son jarocho is native to the state of Veracruz, Mexico, it has spread beyond its regional borders and is now played by musicians throughout much of Mexico and in parts of the United States. Members of Conjunto Hueyapan perform in the tradition of the master jarocho musicians who inspired them.
The group's aggressive and complex jarana strumming is based on the manicos of virtuoso performers from the Boca del Rio and Mandinga area near the city of Veracruz. The spectacular lead melodies on the requinto jarocho are rooted in the style created by requinteros such as Lino Chavez and Luis Delfin. The vigorous and syncopated plucking on dual harps reflect the influence of renowned harpists Andres Huesca and Marrio Barradas. The intricate percussive foot work represents Conjunto Hueyapan's attempt to incorporate the zapateado into the son not as a seperate entity but as an integral part of the performance. The brilliant, colorful lead vocals demonstrate that the jarocho singing style may be elegant and not cease to be authentic, in the manner of Alberto de la Rosa, Rafael Rosas, Tono Rosas, and others. Like the master jarocho musicians whom they respect and admire, Conjunto Hueyapan members play the son jarocho for its own sake. To the Herrera family, the son jarocho is an essential element of life and an absolute passion.
