“NOTE-ABLE ’09ER
BY ERNIE ALTGELT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANICE THACH
Culturally speaking, the greater Alamo City area has long been recognized for its unique and spirited fusion of exceptional musical expression. Over time, thanks to the inevitable mixing of Spanish, German, Mexican and Polish influences, a delightfully distinct audible flavor came into being that many simply refer to today as “puro San Antonio.” Colorful mariachi, polka-driven conjunto, sensuous Tejano and steamy salsa bands all provide a homegrown beat that is enjoyed by natives and visitors alike.
Perhaps surprising to some, one paramount practitioner of all these related varieties, for the vast majority of his long, gifted and productive life, makes 78209 his home. Yep, local resident Lazaro (Larry) Torres Garcia, a respected veteran accordionist, drummer, vocalist and all-around musician’s musician, continues creating, recording, teaching and performing in our very own backyard (and certainly beyond) for eager and appreciative audiences all seeking a taste of that spicy SA sound. Why, one just might say that musically Larry truly is one of the ZIP’s more “note-able” residents. But if you’ve ever heard him, you already knew that.
Born in 1944 on a working farm near New Braunfels to a loving, accordion-playing father and equally nurturing mother, Larry was the youngest of his 10 siblings. With two uncles who were adept at the guitar and seven older brothers who also ably played instruments (mostly accordions), it’s no surprise that Larry, true to the Torres Garcia name, quickly took up music as well. Together, the family would play the traditional songs, trading tips and advice that further enhanced their considerable individual abilities. The Torres Garcia clan was always popular at area parties. Eventually, several brothers became so accomplished that they went on to successful professional careers. Larry was one of these. His first on-stage performance was in 1955, when the 11-year-old wowed the crowd with his accordion.
Sadly, in 1959 with his father’s passing, financial hardship required that even the youngest Torres Garcia leave home. Larry, at age 14, headed to San Antonio, and 78209, to live with his older brother. Before heading south, the teenager had attended school, advancing through the seventh grade. Once more or less on his own, and encouraged by his considerable musical abilities, Larry, in search of an earned income, opted to put his academic education “temporarily” on hold and turn pro.
For 12 years he traveled and performed with a number of different bands, ably playing accordion and drums. All told, he visited 23 states, performed in hundreds of different venues, spent months on the road and did quite well monetarily. And remarkably, as busy as he was during this time, he was still able to earn his G.E.D. and later even attend San Antonio College.
But by 1972 Larry found himself happily married with five adored children to support. Wishing to spend more time at home with his family, he signed on with the 78209-based Alamo Cement Company. He spent 34 productive years working full time at the quarry. During that tenure, however, entertaining and performing were always close at hand. On evenings and weekends, Larry directed several well-respected Tejano and conjunto bands, singing and usually playing the drums or accordion in each. He also found the time to “sit in” with numerous other groups that specialized in everything from rock, oldies and salsa to country and western.
Following retirement from Alamo Cement in 2006, Larry was free to devote more of his energies to his family and making music. Today, after 60 years as a professional, the tireless talent still performs (often accompanied by his singing wife, Janie) at events and private parties. He heads his own conjunto and mariachi bands and can be found regularly entertaining at weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other celebrations. Most recently, backed by his latest seasoned quartet, Grupo Experiencia, Larry cut an exceptional CD (Como Quisiera) that “went to number five” on a national Internet musical program broadcasting out of California.
And, the next time you hear a tight riff on the accordion or a little harmonious Mariachi, smile and think of your “note-able” neighbor Lazaro (Larry) Torres Garcia because, it just might be him!
