Ry Cooder - Maria Elena

From "Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have A Ball", a film by Les Blank taped at The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA on March 25'th 1987. With wonderful trombone solo by George Bohannon.
Comment from MrBillindallas:
Concert was from a two night run - the last of nine total dates on the NorCal tour. Shot on 16mm film with an audio remote truck in the alley. Movie was released in Europe but not in the US. Great band, at one of the best venues in the 'States, the last two nights of the mini-tour they were truly on fire. One venue was so small the band filled the stage and the dance floor.
Setlist for the two nights in Santa Cruz:
3-24-87 Santa Cruz, CA (the Catalyst):
Showtime
Little Sister
Smack Dab In The Middle
Lets Have A Ball
Me and Frank
unknown title [Spanish lyrics]
Hell Have To Go
If Walls Could Talk
Jesus on The Mainline
How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times & Live?
One Meatball
Atom Bomb
Teeny Weeny Bit of Your Love
Why Dont You Try Me?
Down In The Boondocks
The Things That Make You Rich Make Me Poor
Crazy Bout An Automobile (Every Woman I Know)
encores:
Chain Gang
Down In Hollywood
Goodnight Irene
3-25-87 Santa Cruz, CA (the Catalyst):
Smack Dab In The Middle
Lets Have A Ball
unknown title [Spanish lyrics]
Hell Have To Go
If Walls Could Talk
Jesus On The Mainline
How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times & Live?
One Meatball
Atom Bomb
Teeny Weeny Bit of Your Love
Down In Mississippi
instrumental
The Things That Make You Rich Make Me Poor
Crazy Bout An Automobile (Every Woman I Know)
Chain Gang
Down In Hollywood
Goodnight Irene
Band:
Ry Cooder: guitar, vox
Jim Keltner: drums
Van Dyke Parks: keys
Jorge Calderon: bass
Flaco Jimenez: accordion
Miguel Cruiz: percussion
Steve Douglas: sax
George Bohannon: trombone
Singers:
Bobby King: tenor
Terry Evans: baritone
Arnold McCuller: tenor
Willie Green Jr: bass

[@hilander5293]

To whom ever placed this here, for me and the rest of the world to hear and enjoy.. Thank you 😊

[@pattywolford]

So beautiful.

[@leonewest2239]

@highlander5293 - if you haven’t already played Ry Cooder,s - Good Night Irene, highly recommend it.

[@Muziekgenot]

Am I the only one who thinks this music is absolutely delightful, warming and comforting in these cloudy times. I could listen to it all day long. Excellent musicians!

[@jennifursun3303]

I agree have loved this since my late mom introduced me to it many years ago

[@thomaskelly3362]

There are over 2 million views - you're not the only one...

[@russelljones182]

No my Brother, it's good stuff.

[@WayDav]

Some say the internet is a wasteland… then one finds a gem like this.

[@terryhu57]

I lost it with Rock when Kiss and Hair bands came out. I wanted talent, sweat, heart and no pyrotechnics. And a o to Pop and you’re there.

[@janicejugla959]

Life without music, whatever music it is, is barren. Humans sing, they invent ways to produce music and have managed to bring it to the ultimate expression. Music is an integral part of life itself.

[@cosmith19]

Music is life.

[@paulinechapman5669]

My mom would go running through the house looking for my dad and hollering they’re playing Maria Elena..this was so they could dance to it..memories..sigh..🇨🇦

[@cliftontorrence839]

It is great fortune for all of us that Mr. Cooder found his way fairly early and did not become another trite nor hackneyed rocker. Whilst being a man with an honest voice, and possessing real talents, he somehow managed to broaden his range significantly all while just playing a guitar and singing a story to us. For me, that's Genius.

[@dcasey2574]

Spot on regarding Ry. He followed his musical heart regardless of whether his decision would "make him famous" or "bring him wealth" He never seemed to need the limelight and took joy in the success of those he collaborated with. He is a true gem in the world of music.

[@valpurves45]

Just magic

[@JamesSmith-wx6nm]

I'll have this played at my funeral..with the introduction.."Jim will now attempt to play the trombone from inside his coffin."

[@rhuephus]

that tiny thing in your hand is NOT a trombone ...

[@violetrod]

My aunt suggested I be named Maria Elena after this song which was big in the '40s (from what I hear). I had never heard it until I found out that Buddy Holly's wife was also named Maria Elena. Now that I hear it for the first time it does sound beautiful.....I am Cuban and even though I believe this is a Mexican song....it sounds so great....has much emotion. Wish Buddy was still here with us and, Maria Elena Holly, God bless you...you were his love and inspiration. Love, Maria Elena Rodriguez

[@sidharthwarrier9001]

That's a beautiful story !

[@luizricardomachado3808]

That's from Brazil. The Los indígenas Tabajara, two brothers realy brasilian indian from Ceará State.

[@bayadere8308]

@@luizricardomachado3808 Los Indios Tabajaras, to be correct.

[@joseluisbarrios4061]

El autor fue Lorenzo Barcelata, originario de Veracruz México.

[@thomaswigfield7623]

My late father, who was born in 1922, adored this piece of music.

[@africadreamin]

I just had to stop what I was doing and just soak up the brilliance of this performance, I will come back to this jewel again and again.

[@pattywolford]

Yes, i have returned to this video for many years.

[@hvodinh]

A wonderful tune, played by fantastic musicians, what else could anyone ask for?

[@johngulino2651]

At Tower Records, in North Beach, San Francisco, I met Ry Cooder & Flaco Jiménez and the other musicians from the “Chávez Ravine” album. Shook their hands. And I saw Ry Cooder play live at the SFJazz Music Series, with his band, including Rosanne Cash and Ry’s son, Joachim, in a tribute to the music of Johnny Cash.

[@aaronlabonville]

When you have Flaco Jimenez backing you on the button accordion you’ve made it . ❤

[@louisevad6091]

When your playing with Ry Cooder you’ve made it.

[@garywhitt98]

Ry not too happy with Flaco’s lack of feel…fronting when he should have been backing.

[@steveschwartz1415]

Ry Cooder is the man who is able to carry on the traditions of American Music and he is able to surround himself with the best musicians in the world. He takes old songs and puts them into context for today's world. He is able to spread joy and happiness throughout the world and this is how we can unite the world. Music is the universal language and we can count on music because it is the universal thread that runs through everyone who is human. Flaco Jimenez is the man who makes this music come alive and Ry Cooder put this group together. I love this song because it is beautiful and it is about a real woman!!!

[@highphlyer]

WOW! The best portrayal of Ry Cooder's crusade for "heart music" I've seen. Reminds me of his wildly successful resurrection of the Buena Vista Social Club! Hooray! 😂😂😂😂 Music is Life!

[@wendyandgeoffpattison2610]

If only that were true. We thought music would unite the world back in the '60's and '70's but it didn't. I love your optimism though.

[@cetterus]

Which "traditions of American Music"? Mediterranean accordion? South European melodies? Austrian trumpet? Traditional European harmonic progressions? What are you on about man? Love Ry but you are making yourself "the greatest" again and again and again where you have absolute zero. Even below zero since most of it is stolen.

[@giovannabrancaccio-hb9yp]

Che rispondere.....nulla è il sogno romantico di noi donne!!!!!

[@arnovanbavel4847]

Sheer bliss! Flaco plays right into my hart. God bless him. Thanks for uploading.

[@origkap51]

I met Flacco Jimenez at the airport in San Antone two years ago while waiting with my sister for a flight back to California. He was in a wheel chair and came out to have a cigarette. I recognized him immediately and talked to him for 10-15 minutes about various things including some greats he's played with. He is a very humble man, pleasant to chat with, with no inflated sense of his importance to music. I mentioned Joe Ely and Ry Cooder and he had praise for them and everyone he's played accordion for and said that he was lucky to have been honored to perform with all. It was my pleasure and honor to push him back into the airport where he reunited with his bandmates. They were on their way to music festival somewhere in Texas. You just never know who you might meet at an airport.

[@sammyblackchow9541]

Some of the greats are really nice people. I've met a few.

[@TNPassiflora]

What a nice experience! I adore Flaco. It was my great pleasure to get to chat 4 different times with Ry Cooder on his latest tour with Ricky Skaggs & the Whites. He seems to be a really nice guy as well, very humble & you can tell his main interest is to always present excellence in the music he is making. He is certainly the best bottleneck player there is, but so much more than that as well.

[@Herioter]

Saw Flaco at a really small place called The Venue in Edinburgh in the mid-1980s and he was just brilliant

[@jacksterjd]

Sammy BlackChow b

[@hqco3rdmedbattalionfmfpac953]

origkap51 totally cool

[@michaelbarry3038]

Beautifully sublime

[@alexanderjohns1588]

This is one of my favourites of all time and has a ‘feel’ to it that simply hits the spot. Musicians sharing music.

[@mikeydread62]

In a funny way, this piece of music prefigures RC’s adventures with the Buena Vista Social Club. Beautiful still

[@dinochupevski]

Such modesty and greatness combined together.

[@gregj.gotham4402]

Only a few have such natural talents to bring wonder thoughts of good times in a life.

[@bertaloop8235]

Exquisite

[@robbourassaguitarist]

One of my favorite vids on KZbin. Can you imagine having a group like this outside playing in a village square at night?

[@markledyard]

Never heard of this guy until today. Now, I want to hear everything he's ever done. This is real music.

[@kbblaze9371]

Try this Ry Cooder song. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpW0qpd4otOmmLc

[@MartinMartin-bh4ke]

Ry Cooder Chain Gang

[@wendyandgeoffpattison2610]

"Bop till you Drop" is essential listening for any music fan.

[@pndelaney]

A very good, golden, discovery!!

[@clintdavis30]

into the purple valley is my favorite because he plays mandolin. after that it's borderline. chicken skin music and an bop till you drop..

[@Stl10699]

I live in New mexico and this is always a perfect song while driving around. Like a movie scene everytime. Life is cool.

[@locandro1]

When I was a kid, I heard an earlier version of this song on the radio while riding in a 1964 Impala with my mom, and she said, "Mexicans listen to old songs forever." Coincidentally, I got to meet and hang out with Flaco Jimenez many years later. He's a very nice and humble man.

[@lacydaniels5568]

I was lucky to hear Flaco play in a very small venue in Corpus Christi, about 2010, a fundraiser to help pay the medical bills of Freddy Fender, who died of cancer. He has always been one of the greats.

[@locandro1]

That was really sad about Freddy@@lacydaniels5568

[@jgutierrez2014]

God bless Ry, Flaco and his band

[@swapmeetlus4096]

If you place this song within you, connected to whatever memory you have connected it to, it almost seems like those exact emotions are brought up. I always end up smiling from cheek to cheek thinking “god I’m glad I experienced that”.

[@lindagarland5223]

Well said!

[@Zenarama1]

The first time I remember hearing this song was back in 1963. It was the version played by Los Indios Trabajaras. It's such a beautiful, romantic song.

[@robertmartin3042]

Nothing to say that hasn't been said, Ry without question one of the greatest guitarists in history and still going strong, Flaco, just brilliant as all of the other musicians complement each other so marvelously, the opening bars just make one want to take a beautiful lady in the arms and move!!!!!

[@j.dragon651]

One of my dads favorite tunes. He was born in 1911. I miss him and now I am all choked up, thanks a lot Ry.

[@gerardgibney8093]

Makes me see things in it's Proper Perspective , and still so tellingly Soothing

[@davidzuric5395]

I heard a musician in Croatia once say: "Ry Cooder is the law!"

[@aloisemason3044]

Ry Cooder and Flaco on Accordion is sensational..band is terrific..These are Legends and the music goes on and on ..so awesome..could we brighten up the stage so..I don't miss a Thang..what beautiful music and not missing a note..fabulous

[@chimneychuck]

The trombone still gives me goose bumps!

[@leonorlizardo9174]

Me too, just listened to this 3 times, my God all the musicians are having a blast too. When the trombone kicks in, it’s electric. Wish I had been there. Thank Ry for bringing them together.🎉

[@leonorlizardo9174]

💕 love, love this, everytime I hear it my heart races as soon as Flaco starts out. It's electric each time a musician kicks in and they are enjoying it too.

[@peterwilliamson4296]

Class all over the stage.

[@jimhood1202]

The musical equivalent of "no slack". Ry and his all stars knocking it out of the park as always. Thanks for lifting my day.

[@ralphmains6631]

It is great to see Flaco Jemenez on the accordian. I have 15 of his albums. What a talent.

[@francoisebeylie2923]

Ry has such a lovely smile at the beginning, Van Dyke Parks has a little smile and Flaco is so joyful at the end...Nice music and feelings.

[@cynthiamadrid1430]

I grew up on the Rodeo circuit Through the 50s as a little girl. Texas and the Southwest were Memorable but most of all zi remember the great music after the RODEOS, in the bars and restaurants..... this song takes me right there....A FABULOUS feeling.

[@guille7231]

Diverse group with music makes my world a good place to be

[@pacojeaniii1370]

I'll never get tired of this piece. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@davidarredondo7776]

No words can describe my feelings as I listen to this. Just wow!

[@AN-cy7xm]

Spectacular!

[@marthabetancourt7124]

I absolutely love this song. It brought tears to my eyes. I remember my late Dad would always dedicate this song to my beautiful mother. I am so blessed to still have her in our lives, she is now 87 years old and still going strong

[@armandomex1980]

Martha betancourt great song written by DON LORENZO BARCELATA ,ORGULLOSAMENTE JAROCHO ,he also wrote LA BAMBA, EL CASCABEL AND MANY MORE.

[@elbuhotequilas8717]

As same as my father and my mother. She is still alive with us. My father use to sing thah song

[@sharonworsham]

@@elbuhotequilas8717 How nice that your father sang the song. How nice indeed.

[@gerryscales]

May God bless you ma'am

[@petergodins]

Wow

[@aloisemason3044]

Phenomenal sound and melody is beautiful along with the rhythem and lyrics..Ry Cooder is sensational on guitar and brings the best sound across the airwaves..R U With Me?

[@BobJones-nq7zh]

This group of musicians playing one of my favorite songs is magical

[@annetomlinson8408]

So love this ..its my happy place x

[@lotoblanco2826]

SUAVE SUAVE FLOWS LIKE WATER!!!

[@mariob606]

RY COODER HAS GRASPED SO MUCH MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD! A LEGENDARY MUSICAL MAGICIAN!

[@rogerpalos5793]

Great music brings back memories of Mom and Dad dancing to this at the family get togethers.... Beautiful..😢 miss them. ❤

[@simonpenny2564]

sweet guitar intro, sweeet trombone solo, and of course Flacco and all the rest they're not too bad too

[@jean-lucpecout8135]

Ry does not interpret the song in a scholarly or cutesy way. No he gives her a soul and it's beautiful !

[@Motherdiva1]

Most beautiful song ever.

[@Pattiepies55]

Adore Ry Cooder !

[@MrMusicguyma]

I first heard this tune on a recording by Ry. I have loved it ever since. The Big Bands used to play it, too. A timeless melody played by extraordinary musicians. Ry continues to amaze decades later. A master musician, in many musical areas, since his teens, proof that talent can succeed, despite the music "business" and commercial radio. Rock on, Ry.

[@ojaibill2]

What a talent! I just can’t hear enough of Ry Cooder’s guitar brilliance! Truly nourishes the soul, especially on this great song. Close your eyes, just let the music take your mind wherever it might, a imaginary trip like no other, often better than reality.

[@aloisemason3044]

Ry Cooder and his slider on guitar is sensational..and the rhythem and lyrics are the most beautifully performed..The sound is phenomenal..Great entertainment on stage and the band is fantastic.

[@paulgriffin6320]

Totally Magic! Thanks Ry for uniting the world with so much beautiful music.

[@marymulinaro2507]

Love the interaction between Ry and Flaco so heartfelt !!!!!!

[@jackbrown2325]

Love this ....superb .

[@TheJedgeworth]

I was a waitress at the Catalyst during 79-81. What a place, what a time! This is beautiful. I wish I could have seen it live, but thanks to Les Blank & You Tube here it be, for all to behold.

[@steveschwartz1415]

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. There are words and it is about a beautiful woman named Maria Elena...

[@paulhall170]

Don't they just sound so good together? I first 'met' Ry Cooder in a black and white film clip on the Australian ABC TV show called GTK (Getting to know). I had never heard such guitar playing, and I went out and bought "Ry Cooder" the album. Then "Chicken Skin Music", with Flaco. I've loved these two guys for over 40 years!

[@daves5864]

Made my night.

[@karmenjazbec7743]

YEAH RY YOU WERE THE BEST WE ALL MISS YOU

[@josephlemko3027]

This is one of the most beautiful live performances I have ever heard. THANK YOU ✌

[@alaneisenberg1438]

listening to this timeless piece of music played by these virtuosos really is food for the heart and soul. Many thanks for the posting.

[@thevenussociety5017]

The Catalyst, for some great time, was one of the best venues ever. So many wonderful shows like this one. Van Dyke Parks, Ry, and Flaco,... WOW.

[@lucasanfilippo5370]

I usually dont like this kind of music, but I dont know why, when it's Ry playing it, my feelings change..

[@aloisemason3972]

Ry Cooder,a legend born for the stage..never forgotten ..phenomenal..always listening..in 2022 still got it happening .keep it up

[@666gertrude]

So much soul in this piece of music, superbly performed.

[@jovement5645]

나른한 저녁 노을이 지는 해변가에서 이 음악을 듣는게 제 꿈입니다.

[@aloisemason3972]

This is romantic and the sound is such delightful ..rhythem is a sound that echo,'s out to reach you..Ry Cooder,a long timeegend is phenomenal..the band is exquisite and there music is light to the ears..lots of talent on stage

[@michaeljrgensen3689]

pure magic by Ry and Flaco and all the others

[@malcolmvorster7882]

Fantastic😮love it

[@jeancollins2009]

Just love this....who knew that a trombone could sound so romantic.

[@bananafist1]

Absolute magic, timeless.

[@AVictoriaCastillo]

It is such an honor to see Ry Cooder and all of these great musicians, and our very own Flaco Jimenez, who makes all of us Texans ,,Hispanics,Latinos, San Antonionians, very proud!! May God bless you Flaco. There is no other like you. You are tops! In every thing you play.

[@teresasantini9898]

Stupenda versione👏👏👏👏👍

[@user-ju7ze9to4k]

That was just goddam beautiful... what a gift these musicians give to humanity..

[@johnbrowne2173]

I have seen several of Les Blank's "little films"... and have NEVER been disappointed. His eclectic taste in what's worth pursuing and solid workmanship as a film maker are a treasure. ^..^

[@joannebrebes2962]

He certainly makes a joyful sound. You are the best, Ry! God Bless the Cooders.

[@jameshendry1128]

Was at this concert in Glasgow in 70’s what a night Ry, Flaco and Van Dyke Park all the other Mulla Bunda Rythm Aces phenomenal musicians

[@anniebeeee]

Lucky man!🎉

[@lydiarowe491]

Lifting the historical blanket off the beautiful music hidden for far too long..a legend in his own lunch time.

[@ojaibill2]

Ry Cooder’s music never ceases to take me south of the border for as good a trip there as one could ever have. Absolutely brilliant, with background instrumentation to match!

[@johnspensieri4332]

Can’t stop listening. Now I want to play it. Note to wife: play this at my funeral.

[@BeckyOTC]

He is writing poetry through his guitar

[@GGT950]

That’s a great way to describe Ry Cooder

[@MarkViator]

Does it get any better than this? These cats are relating to each other, making magic as they go. Breathtaking ...

[@TNPassiflora]

I don't believe it does!

[@aloisemason3044]

There's alot of grandma's out there who cherish this legendary song and the rhythem is suffocating that it's ..that terrific..and Ry Cooder is fantastic performing this and the other musicians are fantastic..thank you for all the grandmothers out there that holds this song dear to there hearts and grandmothers that have left us all.. memories..

[@willywilz]

Just dripping quality.. such an evocative song played by world class troubadours .. thank you KZbin ❤️

[@pac750xl]

I am always astonished listening to this, and how can a poor man. I don't like the word legend but for me Ry cooder has helped my life. I play a bad guitar but this is the king for me

[@mysterytrend]

Ry Cooder has always mixed with talented musicians from all over the World. They could be superstars or complete unknowns - if they had 'it', whatever instrument they played (including voice!), they were 'in'. I love this recording - cool move mbroders

[@bennyjazzful]

GOD---How BLOODY AMAZING,is this. Pure magic from all performers & waht a classic tune. From a mad keen 77yo Aussie fan,in the middle of the Corona virus.

[@petermancuso7499]

Thanks Ry and t he band best versioin ever!! My hero

[@dudula01]

Cada vez que escucho esta cancion me acuerdo de Colombia, el lugar donde naci. La escuche por primera vez en la television, cuando era nina. Esta version de Ry Cooder me parece muy sentimental, tierna y me hace sonreir.

[@nataliamiller3094]

This truly might be the most real music I have ever heard

[@martinroberts411]

I love this! I'm a massive fan of Ry and this band is superb. Also check out the great Willy Deville.

[@mbroders]

That exchange of glances and appreciation at 1:40 is just priceless - respect and admiration! I love this song.

[@leekosmin8788]

me too. isolation best wishes from london.

[@Zaxtons]

Absolutely legendary jam

[@margeford]

dreamy. Ry Cooder and Flaco...and all on this video....can listen to this over and over and over again.

[@Life-is-a-Dance]

Thank you Mr Cooder for your wonderful playing, but also for amassing such incredible talent one stage, each performer had something special going on.

[@barbarastepien-foad4519]

SUPERB, hot nights, melody, smooth dances, memories, beautiful thank you so much.