Customer Reviews

Sing the Real

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After seeing the music video of "Jarocho Elegua" I was instantly hooked to the truly amazing vocals and instruments of Quetzal. I recently moved to Tokyo and whenever I get homesick or a little nostalgic of home I always listen to it. One of my favorite albums purchased in the past year. Being of Mexican descent it means so much to me to see this type of music being created with meaningful lyrics. I love it!

I bought this album on a whim a few years ago, not really knowing anything about the band, and it has become a treasured addition to my music collection since then. Nearly every song on this album is amazing! Songs are mostly Spanish, with a few in English as well, but you can enjoy this album without speaking Spanish. Notable songs on this album include: "Cenzontle", "Mia", "La Pesadilla", "La Vagabundo", "Mayahuel", with "Jarocho Elegua" being my favorite on the album. Also, if you get the opportunity to see them perform live, they are amazing in concert!

Quetzal is unbelievably talented!! This is a 5 star plus album, and is climbing its way to becoming one of my favorites!! The best way to describe Quetzal would be to take all kinds of combinations of music from pop sounds of the beatles to traditional mexican lullabys and african rhythms fused into a beautiful medley. They utilize several instruments including violins, guitar, and several percussive instruments as well, but they never 'over use' these instruments, knowing how to appropriately taking advantage of spacings. The highlights are within every song!! When I first listened to the CD I had my favorites and got into the singing of Martha Gonzales, (absolutely beautiful vocals)that I had to listen to every song and began to like them all. This is the best Latin-American Pop music/ jazz fusion that I have ever heard. The melodies are infectious, and the passion and soul can be definately heard on this album!! I bought 3 copies, 1 for myself the other 2 for b-day gifts.

I've followed this band for several years and they continue to grow and enlighten me. If you are looking for music with a message, this is the CD for you!

When I accidentally broke my copy of Quetzal's "Sing The Real", I simply had to order myself a new copy since it's one of those CD's that I must have in my collection. From the first time I played this CD on my boom box, I was smitten by the immense talent of this band as well as the sheer quality of the album they have recorded. This innovative group's approach to music is primarily 'son jarocho' (a genre originating in Veracruz, Mexico) yet they give this traditional form of Mexican folk music a new twist by fusing it with more modern elements such as the occasional electric guitar riff in a mesmerizing blend of the contemporary with the traditional.

The opening track "The Social Relevance of Public Art" is definitely a highlight of the album, combining meaningful lyrics with lush musical arrangements to form one beautiful track that I never grow tired of. Other notable tracks include "Pesadilla" which begins with the quiet tenderness of a lullaby before eventually gaining tempo and becoming an upbeat son; "20 Pesos" in which poetic lyrics merge with a lovely musical accompaniment, especially the violin arrangement; and "Vagabundo", which seeks to humanize those who are oftentimes deemed useless in the eyes of society by presenting a poignant tale of a homeless man.

However, I must warn you: not all listeners will be able to appreciate what Quetzal have created with this album. I'd only recommend "Sing the Real" to those who possess both an appreciation for latin music and, perhaps even more importantly, a willingness to experiment with innovative and unorthodox music that refuses to conform to the pop music standards that dictate which songs will receive airplay and become smash hit singles (and likewise which ones will not). But if you're someone with a taste for avant garde music and who enjoys listening to traditional latin music, you will definitely enjoy this album from beginning to end. Although it may be tempting to settle for latin music that is more commercial and radio-friendly like Ricky Martin or the Kumbia Kings, you will be glad that you sought out something with more substance and originality than the fluff that currently dominates mainstream music.