Courtesy photo
Chente Barrera, a name synonymous with Tejano music, marks a significant milestone with the release of his “25th Anniversary” album. This album not only celebrates 25 years of his successful solo career but also highlights his enduring legacy in the Tejano music industry. Chente has consistently delivered excellence, earning accolades and a GRAMMY in 2007.
Chente’s journey in Tejano music began as a drummer for renowned bands like Jay Perez and La Tropa F. His transition to a solo career in 1998 with Taconazo was a pivotal moment, earning him recognition and respect in the Tejano community.
In 2005, Chente was inducted into the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant contributions to the genre. Over the years, he has released 12 solo projects, each showcasing his versatility and passion for Tejano music.
The pinnacle of Chente’s career came in 2007 when he won a GRAMMY for Best Tejano Performance. This achievement solidified his place at the forefront of the Tejano music scene and highlighted his exceptional talent and dedication.
Beyond the stage, Chente’s influence continues to thrive as a session player and producer. His enduring impact on Tejano music is evident in his latest album, which features 11 tracks, including the lead single “Comencé a Extrañarte.” Chente shared insights about the album with Tejano Nation Radio host Romeo, revealing that the album includes songs recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have a new CD out too, so we recorded a couple of songs that we added from when COVID hit,” said Chente. “We had recorded a bunch of music, and so between the last album that I did, the tribute to Roberto Pulido, and this album, we had enough material to do a full CD.”
Chente’s latest single, “Comencé a Extrañarte,” has already received a great response from fans. Inspired by a personal experience, the song reflects on the nostalgia of young love and the longing for past moments.
“I’m really happy about that song,” he said. “It’s a song that I wrote as well, and it all started when I saw a young couple at Olive Garden. It reminded me of the time we used to have, and I realized that I missed those moments.”
Chente Barrera Y Taconazo — Comencé a Extrañarte
Subscribe to Tejano Nation on YouTube
Chente’s ability to connect with his audience through heartfelt lyrics and melodies continues to be a hallmark of his music. He said, “We were able to do 11 tracks, and I brought back a couple of songs that I had written for other artists but wanted to do my way. It’s been a unique experience, and I’m excited to share it with everyone.”
The album includes tracks he had written for other artists but wanted to perform in his own style including a four-song medley of Jay Perez songs composed by Chente. “I even went back to the Jay Perez days. I always thought that Jay’s conjunto music never got the shine it deserves. So, I decided to pick four songs that I wrote from various CDs and did them my way on this record. It’s called the ‘JP 90s Conjunto Jam’,” he said.
The “25th Anniversary” album from Chente Barrera Y Taconazo is now available on all digital music platforms. This album is a celebration of Chente’s remarkable journey in Tejano music and a testament to his enduring legacy.
Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.