I'm just a guy who has always liked music, especially live music. I'm a mid-fifties guy so I approach music a little differently than many music fans. I analyze the bands music with my senses. I listen to the bands vocals, all the instruments and sound system. I observe the band members individually and collectively, their energy, connection to audience and rapport. I'll also sense the crowd's energy and the venue's ambiance. I just don't go to see a band.
Austin Vida will be hosting another Nacional Records Listening Party for the release of Maldita Vecindad 's new CD "Circular Colectivo." The last party was a blast and this party promises more fun, tamales, drink specials and music.
Tortilla Factory performed at Momo's World Music KUT 90.5 presented by Bemba Entertainment on Tuesday night in Austin, Texas and it was history in the making. I remember the name Tortilla Factory back in the early 70's and hearing them on the radio. They played primarily Texas "Chicano Music" and they filled dance halls throughout Texas and beyond. They were one of the premier dance bands out of Texas along with Little Joe and The Latinaires, Sunny and the Sunliners, theRoyal Jesters and the Latin Breed, just to name a few. The Tortilla Factory originated in 1973 and here they are 2010 and still making music.
I had lost track of the Tortilla Factory for several years but was happy to see the band resurface last year with a Grammy nominated CD, "Tortilla Factory and All That Jazz." When I heard that they were going to play at Momo's, I knew I had to go see them. I really didn't know what to expect because I still had visions of the 70's Chicano Music and knew that they had incorporated Salsa into their music. When the Tortilla Factory took the stage, Wow!, they had a complete orchestra of 12 musicians and a commanding stage presence. The five piece horn section, for me, was the focal point and I couldn't wait to hear them. The band's founder, Tony "Ham" Guerrero, was present off stage although the band was under the direction of his son, Alfredo Antonio Guerrero, and his daughter, Laura Lynne Guerrero. Alfredo and Luara were also the lead vocals for all the songs.
The first song was a funky, bluesy song which reminded me of The Tower of Power, which I've seen perform. I was blown away by the beat and the strong, solid brass section and exceptional musical arrangements. Tortilla Factory also mixed in some Salsa music plus used rappers to give a couple 0f their songs an urban appeal. I saw the band perform from 8:00 PM to 12:oo AM and was surprised that the band didn't play any Chicano or Tejano music, mainly because that's where it all started.
Overall it was a fantastic night and I was very glad to see a new and updated Tortilla Factory. They are in fact a legend and have created some fantastic music and history since 1973 . For many reasons, I saw this performance as a debut of the "New Generation" Tortilla Factory. First, I never imagined Tortilla Factory at Momo's. I envisioned them at a huge ballroom or at the Palmer Event Center playing to a large crowd. Momo's is a great venue but does not have the capacity of a dance hall. You play at Momo's to expose yourself to a new audience or possibly crossover. Second, Alfredo and Luara at the helm of the band. With Ham's health a concern, I've read that Ham has given his son and daughters control and direction of the band. Third, I didn't hear the band play any Chicano or Tejano music. They played modern funky, hip, urban music for a younger audience and Salsa music for the broader, mature Latin audience. In order to continue the legend, Tortilla Factory has to appeal to a younger, more hip audience who listens to hip hop, reggaeton and rap. This audience does not listen to Tejano music and the evidence is on MTV, Mun2 and MTV3. Salsa music has broad appeal to both young and old and a large cross section of people. It doesn't mean you have to abandon Tejano music but inorder to continue the legend you have to evolve or re-invent yourself to appeal to the current audience or market. Lastly, Tortilla Factory hired a publicist, Dean Lofton. You hire a publicist to put your name out there to the public who does not know your name.
You need to see Tortilla Factory perform. You will definitely like what you hear and you'll ask yourself "Why haven't I heard this band before?"
I attended Austin Vida's Nacional Records Listening Party on Tuesday March 2nd and had a great time. This is the second Listening Party in this series that I have attended and you will definitely find me at the next party on March 30, 2010.
There are several things I have enjoyed about the Listening Party:
First, I like the venue, Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina at 503 East 6th Street in Austin, Texas. Mi Casa has a long bar where you can sit or just hang out while you watch three big screen televisions. There is plenty of additional sitting with tables and chairs and a long bench sit the length of the venue. Mi Casa not only provides a really comfortable atmosphere, they have tamales! They offer delicious pork, chicken, chicken with verde sauce and vegetarian tamales and they are large and over stuffed with the filling. This fact that they offer tamales as well as drinks sets Mi Casa apart from surrounding venues. Additionally, they have a good sound system and ample floor space for dancing or just standing close to the band or DJ.
Second, the DJ and the music. DJ Chorizo Funk spins some excellent funky, soulful Latin tunes. I've been to a lot of events and venues where the DJ is the focal point and the DJ either makes or breaks the event. DJ Chorizo Funk makes this party happen. He grabs you with his music as soon as you walk in the door and keeps your attention for the rest of the night. I found myself, as well as other people, saying "Damn he's good." The Nacional Records CD releases have also been pretty good with Chocquibtown being my favorite. Check out DJ Chorizo Funk's website,, www.djchorizofunk.wordpress.com and listen to his music, I promise you'll like it as much as I did.
Last but not least, the Give Aways! When you come into Mi Casa, you are given a ticket that will put you into the drawings for prizes. The prizes include copies of Nacional's CD releases, Nacional Records T-shirts and stickers plus the Grand Prize. The past two grand prizes have been pretty good and definitely a good reason to come to the Listening Party. The first party gave away two tickets to Austin's Carnaval and this recent party gave away two tickets to Los Amigos Invisible show on Friday April 2, 2010 at Antone's.
Oh, I almost forgot the most important reason I like the Listening Party, the people I've met. I've met some really cool people and shared some tamales and good conversation. Tuesdays are that much better. Hope to see you there next time.
I attended the first Listening Party on Februay 2, 2010 at Mi Casa Tamales and Cantina and it was a packed house. The party was on, the DJ was working the crowd, the drinks and tamales were flowing and the crowd was having a good time. Get there early because the word is out on the Listening Party and it will be a full house again and then some.
Even though Este Vato just released their new album, they have been working on some new tunes. I had the opportunity to record one of their new songs at Trophy's Bar and Grill on January 30, 2010. The name of the song is "Zombie Land" and it has a funky beat while still staying true to their music style and message. I also like this song because Este Vato is exploring their musical talent and possibilities. By stretching the musical envelope, Este Vato will create more great music and broaden their audience. Este Vato is definitely ready for the challenge and the next level.
Make it a point to check Este Vato at an upcoming show:
A quick note about Trophy's: I like Trophy's Bar and Grill because it has the feel of a neighborhood bar. It has great music, it's quaint, feels homey, has a bar, pool tables, tables and chairs plus sofas. There is also an outdoor patio in back that you can just hangout. Parking is also ample.
Este Vato, one of my favorite bands and once an up and coming band, now a well established, well placed band has a new CD. The CD is self titled and contains 7 great songs. Their sound combines Mexican Cumbia, Rock, Latin and Fusion. The use of an Emcee and DJ give Este Vato depth and a totally unique sound.
One of the things that really impresses me about Este Vato is that they stay true to their music and message. They insist on their own original music and lyrics. I can truly say I have never heard them play a cover song although it would be very easy to do. They also insist on making their audience aware of the plight and struggles of not only Latinos but of all peoples against injustice, the corrupt industrial machine,"Quemadura," and repressive governments. Their message also includes the power, "El Poder," that people have collectively and the pride in their Mexican heritage and flag, "Tres Colores." This album is also a very danceable album should you choose to.
Playlist consist of:
1. Mundo En Fuego 2. El Poder 3. Tres Colores 4. Transitorio 5. Na Pos 6. Quemadura 7. Rattlesnake
If you love Latin music or want a taste of the best Latin music Austin has to offer, this album is for you.
I wrote my first blog back in October 31, 2008,"Este Vato Debutes at the Flamingo Cantina." It was my first attempt at "blogging" and although I don't actively blog now, it doesn't mean I've stopped seeing bands. In fact, quite the opposite has happened, I've gone to see so many bands that it would be very difficult and very time consuming to write about all of them. I'll start to write on key or special band events and post posters of events of interest.
Also, I have started to post videos of bands I go see at various venues on Youtube. I hope that you start to follow me again or follow my blog for the first time. Thanks, Manny Go Crazy.
