One of the least known but most extraordinary musical regions of Mexico is the Tierra Caliente - the hotlands - in Guerrero & Michoacan states. Juan Reynoso is the last - and perhaps the greatest - of a line of traditional 'calentano' violin virtuosos. In the last few years, he and his extraordinary music have gained an enthusiastic following among American violinists. One of them, Paul Anastasio, puts it this way: 'It was as if all the musics I'd loved and studied - swing music, and gypsy music, and tango - Cuban this and African that - all of these styles kind of formed the outlines of a puzzle piece that was this music. What can I say? I'm in love!'. Journal of Ethnomusicology Review quote: 'Pacho Lane's Documentary, Viva mi Tierra Caliente, sets a fine example of recognizing Mexican folk virtuosos by celebrating the life and musical contribution that Juan Reynoso Portillo has made to the cultural fabric of Mexico and the influence he is exerting on the fiddle communities throughout the Americas.' Russell Rodríguez UC Santa Cruz

Forms: Documentary, Music Video
Genres: Independent
Niches: Hispanic