QUETZAL
Worksongs (Vanguard)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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For their second Vanguard release, Worksongs, the East Los Angeles based sextet Quetzal has taken a step back from the more rock oriented sound of Sing The Real, their label debut (the band's arrival at Vanguard was preceded by a pair of independent releases). This time around they dig a little deeper into their roots in Cuban and Mexican song styles and instrumentation. That's not to say that this is an album of traditional music, although there are traditional overtones on most of the tracks. They still express a rock & roll heart, at times, even if the expression takes the form of a Spanish language lyric over the sound of jarana or basso sexto rather than a soaring Strat solo.

It's a formula most famously pioneered by Quetzal's East LA neighbors, Los Lobos, and it's no coincidence that longtime Los Lobos saxophonist Steve Berlin was the producer for these sessions. This is no copycat band, though. Among their most distinctive features are the striking vocals of Martha Gabriel and an excellent group of original songs that blend social and personal concerns in Spanish, English and Spanglish.

While the world music market would seem to be a natural target for the band, their music is of a quality that it should easily transcend simple categorization. In the case of this album, a step back into the tradition is a leap forward in the quality of the content.

Track List:

This Is My Home * Planta De Los Pies * Alimentate * Worksongs * Limones Agrios * Decide * Learning Solitude * Time To Go * Luna Sol * Relationships * Modern Man

© 2003 - Shaun Dale