Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
3½ stars out of 4
I found it exceedingly difficult to quantify this music the further
I got into it. If I must classify this CD I have to say that it's
Chicano Roots music. Getting the credits and names straight was a
challenge, never mind trying to figure out what style of music this
was! To give you an idea of what you will hear on this engagingly
broad based stylistically clever recording will not be brief, so stay
with me. Let me make one thing perfectly clear…this is not anything
like "Los Lobos." Yes this group was born out of L.A. and the melting
pot of politics and ethnic integration that the city of angels is,
and that factor is the very passion and emotion that perpetuates and
drives this music. Keep in mind that this music stands on its own
and shuns any comparisons to anything that I have ever heard. That
alone is intriguing enough for me for me to listen for the message found in the music.
I still believe that I was Latin in a past life and this is why I
am so drawn to this music. It may sound hokey but I really believe
something is there and that its one of those intangibles that you
have a gut level acceptance of but just can't explain. I can't understand
the language, but I completely understand the language of the music.
Those of you that have a deep perceptiveness of music and a genuine
appreciation for the eclecticism of spiritual ethnic roots music will
completely understand where I am coming from, those of you that I
have lost completely, just keep listening to this kind of music and
you will come to know it, love it, and become one with it.
With all of my feelings, opinions, and philosophy aside…this is a
wonderful combination of richly textured Latin jazz, rock, and roots
music that is bound to grab your ear if you are open to the variety
found in each and every song. I heard some elements of rap from the
barrio, dance, the steamy emotion of the streets, and the happiness
of a family gathering during a celebration of deeply rooted ethnic
and spiritual beliefs all wrapped up into a boiling hot cultural musical
stew. Another aspect that I appreciated was their giving equal time
to English and Spanish listeners to satisfy people's preferences,
if you happen to have one. Just get the CD, you will find out yourself
how the music will move you, and it will, I can promise you that.
1. The Social Relevance of Public Art - 3:42
2. Cenzontle - 4:21
3. 20 Pesos - 3:41
4. Desahogate - 4:15
5. Emotions - 4:48
6. Mia - 4:00
7. La Pesadilla - 5:03
8. Vagabundo - 5:39
9. Mayahuel - 6:09
10. Jarocho Elegua - 4:31
11. Matanzas - 2:28
Total Time- 49:12
Meet The Band:
Martha González - lead vocals, backing vocals, congas, tarima
Gabriel González - lead vocals, backing vocals
Rocío Marron - violin, viola, backing vocals
Quetzal Flores-jarama, requinto jarocho, cuatro, najo sexto
Kiko Cornejo Jr.-drums, latin percussion
Dante Pascuzzo-electric bass, acoustic bass
Edson Gianesi-brazilian and Latin percussion, vibraphone
Ray Sandoval-electric guitar, tres, requinto jarocho
Yunior Cabrera Terry-violin, chekere
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