Producer Michael Ramos created Charanga Cakewalk, an approach to
music from a totally different angle. Unbound by musical boundaries
or genre restraints, Charanga Cakewalk cooks up a musical dichotomy
of Latin beats combined with electronic synthesizers and then folds
in traditional world rhythms. This unusual blend results in a
unique and diverse sound solely belonging to its owner.
Ramos was always surrounded by music, surrounded by Mexicana at
his home in Texas but becoming riveted to rock. He has toured with
the BoDeans and the Rembrandts and worked with John Mellencamp. Why
is this important, you ask? It shows his diverse roots, which come
into play on this release.
His music has been classified as kitsch, but I found nothing of
poor quality or mundane here. The Latin influences of his
upbringing carry the song “Belleza,” which incorporates a small
touch of Hawaiian-type sounds to create a number that has energetic
movement and makes you want to shake your butt.
“Mexicanos” is another danceable song. Due to the African-like
Cumbia backbeat, you feel like you’re missing out on something if
you don’t tap your foot to the tempo. “Chispas” is a techno-driven
song, joined with a breath of Spanish rap by Becca Rodriguez. David
Puckingham plays hearty Spanish guitar to back the rap, making this
definitely an odd song but an excellent choice for the CD.
“Volcanico” is exactly as it sounds – hot and steamy. J J
Barrera feverishly plays the bajo sexto and bass while David
Grissom dives into the guitar and comes out smiling. Like Ramos
says, the song is a new invention full of warmth and unusual
colors.
Ramos and Rey Arteaga duet the vocals on “Carmela.” Although a
bit too silly for me musically and vocally, it just once again
displays the diversity of this man’s talent. Why should he always
be serious anyway? But then doing a flip-flop, “Romanticos
Desesperados” is a sultry romantic dance number that reiterates the
agreeable nature of his exceptional repertoire. It is Latin-based
but indicates lots of imagination. Michael Longoria provides the
percussion and hits it hard, never letting up.
Effortlessly, Ramos keeps the tone of this CD consistent
throughout — it is highly charged and he never tires in his work.
Often CDs will piddle out near the end but he does not disappoint –
he starts out on a high-intensity and the conclusion is no less
enthusiastic, using melodica, guitars, horns and accordions to make
a flamboyant style definitely all his own.
Obviously Ramos’ plan is to stir up the music world and invite
the entire globe into his fantastic vision. This furthers the
difficulty in categorizing his music into any particular genre,
making this a full meal that is a welcome surprise. You’re never
heard anything quite like it.
