American music is defined as the folk, popular and classical music of the United States - created by American-trained composers, or originating in American culture, or written primarily for American audiences. The new release from The Krayolas, "Americano" is the definition of great American music.
The Krayolas, formed in the seventies by brothers Hector (lead vocals, guitars) and David Saldana (drums, vocals), and they are no strangers to making great music. The band rounds out with Van Baines (lead guitar, vocals) and Ramon "Jr" Jasso (bass). On "Americano", the band is extended to include the West Side Horns (Louie Bustos, Al Gomez), Luvine Elias Jr (piano, organ background vocals), Michael Guerra (accordion), Eric Casillas (percussion) and Rene Garcia (trombone).
There are also a number of guest musicians that are no strangers to Texas music. Augie Meyers lends his Vox Organ on the lead off track "Exit/Salida", a track that defines the "San Antonio Sound". "Piso Diez" features renowned San Antonio harp player Benny Harp and Max Bacca (bajo sexto). Alex Meixner (accordion) and the legendary Flaco Jimenez add their accordion flair to the epic "Wall of Accordion".
The second track, "Fruteria" was also made into a video shot at Los Valles Fruteria on San Antonio's West side. Los Valles was also the location of their CD Release Party held Friday night.
This album is a big mix of blues, rock and Tex-Mex and offers a little bit of everything to even the pickiest ears. The band even throws a shout out to Michael Jackson in the sultry and seductive "You're on Top", arguably my favorite song on the album.
While Exit/Salido and "Fruteria" are very Tex-Mex, "Home" is a beautifully arranged song about a girl on a bus but it's more than that. This is what begins to separate "Americano" from other Krayolas albums; their storytelling has grown. "Home" is more about a foreigner trying to make it in an American world. It is insights such as these that show the Krayolas are ready to for a new phase in their evolution...getting out of the garage and into the ears of as many people as possible.
If you need some persuasion to get this album, check out tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7...you know what, just get the CD; It's more than just good. It's Americano.
Be sure to check out The Krayolas at the 2010 SXSW on the 19th at Opal Devine's Freehouse. Also on the 19th at B.D. Rileys and on the 20th with Alejandro Escovedo at Maria's Taco X-Press
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