Jaime de Anda y Los Chamacos have released their latest album in years, Born To Be Bad, and, let me tell you, they haven’t lost their touch. Under the direction of Grammy winning producer Gilbert Velasquez and his brand new VMB Music Group label, Los Chamacos have offered up a strong collection of tracks, including some classic Chamacos tunes.
The first single, Todo Para Mi, is a very danceable ranchera with the noticeable participation of Velasquez on guitar. With a smooth beat in which one can either hold their partner close or take on a bunch of vueltas, this tune is definitely a favorite of mine. But, the album leads off with another great ranchera, Alma Enamorado, which is classic Chamacos.
Cuando Me Oigas Cantar is a hard-driving ranchera that leaves you no choice but to zapatear featuring Chente Barrera and Jaime de Anda as a duet. Little Joe Hernandez is also featured on Morena, Morenita in what is sure to be a memorable hit. And if that wasn’t enough, RGV legend Rene Joslin (also dad of Roel, Chamacos bajo player) appears on the classic Al Pie De Este Arbol.
Los Chamacos also take us down memory lane with a cumbia instrumental, as well as a remake of the classic medley, Mi Musica Favorita. While the original “Favorita” touched a bit on some of their favorite tunes made famous by legends, this new one adds lyrics and music to each tune–something they had done live for years. Of course, who can forget Ex-Novia? It’s on there, too with some great harmonies.
Conchita La Viuda Alegre, the tune about a happy widow, is another classic that Los Chamacos bring to life. Estrella Blanca is a classy bolero that brings out the acordeon and bajo sexto, along with some harmonies that make this a powerful tune. All-in-all, fans will enjoy this production.
I’ll have to say this: Gilbert Velasquez has taken a classic Tejano Conjunto that had already made their mark and brought out a much bolder sound from them. That’s why I like indie labels, because this one in particular doesn’t do things in cookie-cutter fashion, in my opinion. Congrats to Jaime y Los Chamacos on this amazing production.
Los Chamacos are: Jaime de Anda- Acordeon, Vocals; Eduardo Ordoñez- Bass and Vocals; Roel Joslin- Bajo Sexto; Ruben Mendoza- Drums, and Gilbert Fierros- Percussion.
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