Ron Pandy – Mexican League (Single Review)

I am back, once again, with another review of a song from the Ron Pandy universe. As I’ve written about extensively, in all of my reviews of his music here, here, and here, he is truly a musician I will never get tired of. With each song, I end the review by learning more about the intersection of music, baseball, and American history like I’ve never known before. I must acknowledge Pandy’s comments on my reviews thus far, and I have to return the compliment- it is just as interesting listening to your songs. He is a treasure in the world of songwriting. Just like what I’ve mentioned before, I shall repeat my words: his ability to write songs intertwined with such interesting aspects of history is so profound and stellar that his artistry becomes universal. It doesn’t matter if you’re a jazz fiend, a trap cat, or a classical crooner. This man has something from you that you can take to grow, and appreciate. Without further ado, let’s dive into his musical universe with today’s track, titled ‘Mexican League’.

The song starts off pretty strong, and packed with a punch. It doesn’t have any room for anticipation, which is an interesting change. Instrumentation-wise, I think this is one of Pandy’s best works- the infusion of what I assume to be a marimba, together with the fiddle and the Spanish-esque acoustic guitar gives it an exciting and complex soundscape. And might I add, the addition of an accordion as well! All these instruments are quite befitting of the theme of the song itself. It combines the songwriting aspect and the genre-based aspects of the song so beautifully. The fiddle: a mainstay of the American folk genre, the accordion and Spanish guitar: a mainstay of regional Mexican music, and the marimba: a mainstay of both Mexican and African traditional genres. I find the use of the marimba in this song insanely apt as it is an instrument with roots in West African instrumentation that was brought over to Latin America and then accepted into their own musical traditions.

Similarly, the theme of the song deals with the Mexican League and its role extending into the American baseball landscape. The main protagonist in this expansion revolves around a man named Jorge Pasquel. Jorge Pasquel was a Mexican businessman who had a familial stake in crucial teams of the Mexican Baseball League and went on to become president of the entire Mexican Baseball League (Mexican League). His strategy was to recruit players from Negro League baseball to play in the Mexican league itself since they were barred from entering Major League Baseball at that time due to a form of racial segregation called the ‘Baseball color line’. Players of black African descent were not allowed to compete in the majority European-descent Major League Baseball at that time. Hence, Pasquel took on the opportunity to vouch for racial equality and opportunity as well as capitalise on their talent by inviting them to play for the Mexican league.

He offered them higher salaries, unique gifts as well as better incentives for transferring to the Mexican league. The reception to this was fairly welcomed, as the players could have an opportunity to display their talent in a proper baseball league, and Jorge could get quality players to fuel his team.

Similarly, I find this historical nugget ingeniously expressed through the instrumentation of the track itself. An aspect of African heritage being accepted and weaved into the fabric of Mexican culture itself. It was done through baseball, and now it is being done through the aspects of musical storytelling. The marimba combined with the Spanish guitar and the accordion truly reflects that.

I also find the fiddle playing quite a dominant role in this song. Ron’s vocal delivery in this song oscillates between his typical storytelling style with that of a cool-cat crooner, which reminds me of Jorge’s bombastic personality. It sounds almost as if Jorge is telling the reality of what came of his actions, in an ‘I-told-you-so’ manner. From a vocalist’s perspective, this is pretty fascinating as it brings the story to life. Once again, I think all of his songs should be put into animated-style stories. His music just gives off that feel for me.

The instrumentation and musical variability in this track is quite beautiful. Each instrument has its time to shine in various solos throughout the song. It has a very strong, regional Mexican flair with the addition of shakers as well. If I had one word to describe the instrumentation, it would remind me of the concept of ‘pride’. Not in a bad way, not in a bombastic way, but in a musical manner. Each instrument is strong, influential, and melodic. The choice of background vocalist in this song is also excellent, with her accent and sharp delivery sharpening out Pandy’s calmer delivery. Cutely enough, the song ends in a ‘cha, cha, cha’ syncopation- true to its Mexican tale.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

Back when baseball was in its heyday

The Mexican League had style

All the great Negro League stars

Went South to play for awhile

They were paid twice as much

Could come and go as they please

There’s freedom South of the border

Down in the Mexican League

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Like hot tortillas from Rosa’s Cafe

They were welcome everywhere

People wave and cheer Ole!

When they pass by the village square

They say here in Mexico I am a man

I can be who I want to be

There’s freedom South of the border

Down in the Mexican League

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There was mighty Josh Gibson behind the plate

Satchel Paige on the mound

Wild Bill Wright was running wild

Cool Papa Bell won the triple crown!

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They ran like the wind with grace and style

Real baseball to the core

All the fans cheered and stomped their feet

Like they never had before

They were celebrities from a foreign land

And treated like royalty

There’s freedom South of the border

Down in the Mexican League

I Libertad all sur de la frontera

Ah bah ho en la ligia Mexicana

Down in the Mexican League

Down in the Mexican League

All in all, this song was a pleasure to interpret. It is smart, clever, and ingenious in its songwriting and production quality while also being direct in portraying the message and historical storytelling it intended to deliver. The aspects of instrumentation coyly matches up with the theme of the lyrics. The solos in each instrument add a melodic quirk to each measure of call-and-response, also making it a dynamic track. Highly recommended.

Rating/Excellent – Once again, Ron Pandy hits the spot with his niche in the music world. A combination of storytelling and interesting instrumentation, with nuggets of historical advancements interweaved into the music. This track is no exception to his body of work, upholding the standard that he keeps and attains steadily with each release.

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