Say one thing for Quetzal; they have themselves some ideals, and
they’re not compromising them for anyone. This nine-member band
from Los Angeles combines Mexican, Caribbean, and rock sounds into
a seamless fusion that they use to make serious points “for
dignity, for family, for community, strength from culture, and
positive female roles in society”.
OK, it all sounds good on paper — or in this case, on Vanguard
Records’ website.
Sing The Real is, by the band’s own admission, a testimony
to the current-day, where cultural and political boundaries are
“melting away at a fast pace”.
I can hear you all now. “Fine, Duke, but are they any damned
good?”
The answer is — yeah. Yeah, they are.
Quetzal is musical chiles. The first bite may shock you a
little, but give yourself some time and you’ll be poppin’ chipotle
like it was candy. For all their heavy content and serious purpose
(so serious, in fact, many band members teach in LA’s public
schools), Quetzal does themselves proud on this, their second
recording.
Sing The Real is infectious, melodic, and impeccably
performed; the twin lead vocals of Martha and Gabriel Gonzalez are
expressive, heartfelt, and genuine. No sanitized pseudo-Latino pop
here; this is like a shot of great tequila, heady and intense.
Special note also has to be made of the Brazilian and Latin
percussion and vibraphone playing of Edson Gianesi and the
breathtaking electric violin work of Rocio Marron — but the truth
is, there isn’t a badly played note on this CD.
Some of the great tracks include the haunting and
thought-provoking “20 Pesos”, the jazz-like riffs on “Emotions”,
the magnificent string work on “Vagabundo”, and the bright and
vibrant “Jarocho Elegua”. I admit, it’s tough sometimes to handle
Quetzal’s fusion of styles; they borrow from multiple cultures,
sounds, and styles — but in the end, they make it all work, and
that’s what matters. It does take some patience to get to the
center, but once you do, it’s a beautiful tapestry.
Sing The Real is, indeed, real. Check it out.
