Gabriel Zavala Announces New Polka Album Arriving November 13

Award-winning Tejano and Conjunto hitmaker Gabriel Zavala is getting ready to share a new musical project with fans, announcing that a new polka album, Polkas Pura Lumbre, will arrive Friday, November 13.

Advertisements

Zavala recently revealed the album cover on social media, teasing a collection of polkas inspired by the legendary musicians and musical traditions that helped shape his love for the genre. The upcoming release is particularly meaningful for the artist, who took a hands-on approach to nearly every aspect of its creation.

In an exclusive statement to Tejano Nation, Zavala revealed that he performed multiple instruments on the recording, including drums, bass, bajo, keyboards and, of course, accordion.

“I had a blast recording this album. What I’m most proud of is that I did it all myself. I played Drums, Bass, Bajo, Keyboards and of course the Squeeze Box!” Zavala shared.

The artist explained that the project was born out of love, nostalgia and a desire to honor the family members who introduced him to music and helped develop his musicianship during his childhood.

“I made this album out of love and nostalgia. I wanted to create an album that my Uncles and family would be proud of. They took time spending hours teaching me about music when I was a kid and I wanted to celebrate the fruit of their labor,” he said.

The album also pays tribute to some of the most influential names in Conjunto and Tejano music. Zavala carefully selected polkas that hold a special place in his heart, drawing inspiration from pioneers and legendary accordionists whose recordings left a lasting impression on him.

“I chose polkas that had a special place in my heart. From great pioneers like Lionel Pulido and Paulino Bernal to Ramon Ayala and Tony De La Rosa who was my grandfathers favorite accordionist, this album has some true masterpieces on it!” he added.

The inclusion of music connected to these legendary artists makes the upcoming album a personal tribute to the musicians and family traditions that helped preserve and pass down Conjunto music through generations.

Zavala also recognized the collaborators who helped bring the project to life.

“I’m so thankful to Ryan Bazan for taking some incredible pictures and Ramon Gonzalez Mora for co producing this album with me as well as providing and incredible studio at a.r.c. Discos!” Zavala said.

Adding another personal touch, Zavala ensured that his creative vision carried through every stage of production.

“I also had the pleasure of recording mixing and mastering the album as well so my signature is definitely in every aspect of this recording!” he said.

In his social media announcement, Zavala expressed his excitement about finally sharing the project with fans and promised additional previews in the days leading up to its release.

“I’m so excited to announce that I have a Polka Album dropping on the 13th of this month!!! I’ll be sharing teasers and snippets in the next coming days but for now here’s the cover!” Zavala wrote.

With its November 13 release date, Zavala’s upcoming polka album promises to be more than just a new collection of recordings. It is a celebration of family, musical heritage and the influential artists who helped shape the sound of Conjunto music.

For Zavala, the project is also an opportunity to give something back to the family members who invested their time and passion in teaching him the music he continues to carry forward today.

Fans can expect more teasers and snippets from the upcoming album in the days leading up to its release.

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.