Because of his diverse musical interests, Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos calls accordion-master Joel Guzman “The Chicano Traveling Wilbury.” And paired up with his wife Sarah Fox, the two have produced some amazing music, including The Mexican Roots Trio, and their releases as Aztex (most recently, Latinology). Guzman even does some shows with Austin music icon Joe Ely.
The Joel Guzman that I’ve been a fan of most is the one known as a “guest musician” on numerous Tejano music CDs. I first noticed and became a fan of his accordion playing when I first listened to the 1988 release of Latin Breed’s comeback album, “Breaking the Rules.” The song that grabbed me most was one with an accordion riff that still stands the test of time, “Don Luis El Tejano.” It was only a few years later that I learned he was an accordion prodigy, who, as a teenager played keyboards and accordion for Little Joe y La Familia. One can recognize his playing on Little Joe’s version of “Las Mañanitas.”
Years later, Guzman and Fox finally answer the question he’s been asked for years. ”When are you making your own Tejano-Conjunto album?”
The answer is “Conjuntazzo” released on June 2 on their own, Guzman-Fox Creative label. Filled with old standards, such as Alegre Me Ando Paseando, Ojitos Verdes, El Gancho, Gorrioncillo Pecho Amarillo, and my personal favorite, Amorcito de mi Vida, Guzman-Fox is sure to please accordion music lovers of all ages. More than anything, one must love the musical quality of this effort. It is definitely unmatched in Conjunto circles.
Guzman-Fox even provides some Chicano pride music with Sangre Azteca, which you can give a listen on their MySpace page.
For some Conjuntazzo samples, go here.
Guzman and Fox will be at Cactus Records in Houston on June 20th at 2PM. DosCentavos.net intends to be there. For now, here’s a live shot of them at the 2009 Conjunto Festival.
