It’s been awhile and there is some good music out there. It’s also the season for seasonal tunes. Check these out.
Percy Cardona – Linus and Lucy- Percy comes from the giant metroplex of Big Wells, TX. After some stints with various Tejano bands, as well as Americana sensation The Last Bandoleros, he has recently landed as the new accordionist for The Mavericks. Thankfully, he still gets to work on side projects and this rendition of Lucy and Linus is very Tex-Mex, accordion-heavy with a tough Bajo Sexto (by Eddie Perez) background. It’s already a favorite among many music lovers.
LA .45 – Joy to the World/Angels We Have Heard on High – La .45, a horn-based sensation from SATX, released this little medley of Xmas tunes in ranchera fashion. The sax solos are by Ricky Ray Hernandez, one of my fave players and a Texas State grad. Mike Torres, III and John Ontiveros are quite the innovators on this one.
Frankie Caballero, Jr. – Quedate – Frankie dusted off an oldie but goodie from my 80s fave, Bobby Naranjo y Direccion and stayed true to the original while giving it his own sabor.
Miguel Hernandez – Al Fin – Miguel is one of my favorite guitarists and underrated vocalists in la onda Tejana. He’s also a good songwriter and arranger who has worked with Percy Cardona (see above). This is a bold effort that isn’t your run-of-the-mill studio recording. He seems to go 10% above what is coming out recently. Enjoy.
doscentavos.net 