CD Review: Patricia Vonne's 'Viva Bandolera'

Patricia Vonne
Viva Bandolera
Bandolera Records

Patricia Vonne's emotive Latin folk and rock music takes on new heights with soaring vocals, multi-instrumental repertoires, and a pop-edge cement the deal with Viva Bandolera. Patricia's vocals are a blend of Lila Downs and Shakira throughout. The song structures are more varied than Shakira, but rooted in the Tejano, Latin-American rock and folk of Mexico's Lila Downs. Seventeen tracks in all. Patricia brings more than basic Tex-Mex fanfare here. In fact, there are swirling melodies and rhythms with passionate and evocative vocals representing a deep, Latin-American connection, as well as American pop and rock constructions. The Spanish songs are back by great instrumentation and arrangements that do not disappoint. Get it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Very Be Careful's 'Remember Me From The Party?'

Very Be Careful
Remember Me From The Party?
Downtown Pijao

LA-based Afro-Colombian vallenato maestros, Very Be Careful, bring us another fine recording of upbeat, dance music on accordion, percussion, and other heart-pulsing instrumentation. The danceable music is characteristic of South American, Latin American, and North American tejano. The accordion-driven music is uptempo and refreshing, especially on "El Mosquito." Nevertheless, there are twelve rippling tunes of sonic beauty. The party atmosphere is full of vallenato music. Nothing is amiss here. The instrumentation and Spanish vocals are top notch throughout. Very Be Careful is essentially a party-version of Colombian polka music. Remember Very Be Careful is a group that knows how to perform. All in all, it's that good. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pistolera's 'El Desierto y La Ciudad'

Pistolera

El Desierto y La Ciudad

Luchadora

The Mexican-American repertoire of Pistolera is largely relegated to the alternative folk, rock, and ballad genres. Band leader and songwriter, Sandra Velasquez, performs songs with the clear artistic vision of Lila Downs and the dark grittiness of Germany's Ersatzmusika. Though seemingly disparate comparisons, Pistolera and Ersatzmusika contain the similar gritty guitars, deep bass, and accordion. However, Pistolera is still full of lively Latin-tinged percussion and dance ballads with all of the finesse of an elite songstress. Of course, there are more energetic, urban tracks, such as "Escucha," "Todo Se Cae," and "Ponle Frenos." The blaring horns, lively percussion, excellent vocals, and Latin mystique, serve as a wonderful mix of music bridging two countries together. If what you seek are some great tunes in the vein of Think of One, Lila Downs, and Erstazmusika, then Pistolera will please you beyond belief. Spanish vocals and some song descriptions are included in Spanish. ~ Matthew Forss