Customer Reviews

Vamos A Bailar-Otra Vez with Lalo Guerrero

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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This guy started this whole "Latin Swing" craze in the early 1940's and it seems he's been in high gear ever since. I bought the CD thinking it was a copulation of Lalo's old "Pachuco-Zoot Suit" recordings and then I was Blown-Away to hear, all new recordings with great new charts, this CD only magnifies Lalo's talents. The arragements are simply "GREAT" by Justo Almario (Tolu), David Torres (Poncho Sanchez) and Mark Jones (Brian Setzer Orch.)-"Excellent" mix. Now in his 80's, Lalo has done it yet again and I can't believe the collection of musicians who joined him on this dream of a project, they are simply the best around today. Lalo's music is HOT, Timeless and Inspirational, a must for any music collection.

Lalo Guerrero who first gained fame in the late 1940s by blending big band tunes with Spanish and English lyrics reminds us why his career as "the father of Chicano music" has spanned over six decades. Working in collaboration with Ben Esparza of Break Records, Lalo Guerrero has released a gem of an album that will truly compliment the collection of any fan with sophisticated musical tastes. Vamos A Bailar Otra Vez! (Lets Dance Again!) gives us an insight into the heart and soul of Lalo Guerrero and the music the represents it. The music on this work includes boleros, salsa, norteno, big band tunes, as well as satirical pieces such as "Marihuana Boogie" and "La Cosa". The tittle track "Vamos A Bailar Otra Vez" is a high spirited big band tune that Lalo sings with a youthful spirit that only he can bring us, and that he has preserved over the decades. Two of my personal favorite tracks on this CD are "Barrio Viejo" and "Carnalito" these songs are performed in the bolero and ranchero styles respectively. These songs show a deeper more passionate and reflective side of Lalo. In "Barrio Viejo" Lalo reflects on life in an old neighborhood and what has become of the place and its people. The theme in "Carnalito" is a passionate call to young people to stay away from drugs and the negative influences of today. Lalo comments on American social-political issues with a unique perspective. In essence, Lalo Guerrero captures what it is like for Mexicans on both sides of the border. Lalo Guerrero's genius lies in his ability to transcend borders and touch the hearts of people with different life expiriences. For this reason his songs have been recorded in the past by giants in Mexican music such as Lucha Reyes and Lola Beltran as well as others. In the U.S. his songs have been recorded by artists such as Linda Rondstadt and Los Lobos. All the songs on this CD are solid and fit for any mood from dancing to reflecting on past times. Most of the songs on this album are recorded in both Spanish and English. Lalo does a masterful job translating not only the lyrics but the spririt of his music as well.

This CD has something for everyone, dance, romantic music and just plain fun stuff. The best work this artist has to date and at the age of 83 and over 2,000 recording to his name, this is really saying quite a lot. If you like to Dance, Swing, Mambo or even Danzon all in one song there is "VAMOS A BAILAR" (LET'S DANCE) with its great MAMBO, DANZON and SALSA BEATS, Its GREAT there's nothing like it around today! The romantic side of this CD is my favorite, like the classic "NUNCA JAMAS" and the "ZOOT SUITE MOVIE and BROADWAY PLAY MUSIC, such as "MARIJUANA BOOGIE" with its great 40's "SWING" feel. The CD has "GREAT NEW" arrangements to these classics that just adds so much color filled flavor in note form to the music, it's just magical. The music really transports you back to another time and place. The music makes you want to get-up and dance. Lalo even has some great songs for the young of today with the song titled "El CARNALITO" it has a very special messege. Everyones heart will be touched by the song "BARRIO VIEJO" (OUR OLD NEGHBORHOOD).The CD is bi-lingual and will be enjoyed by everone from the young and not so young alike. I recommend this CD very much and wondered while viewing the First-Latin Grammy Awards last week why Lalo Guerrero was not even mentioned as one of the founding fathers of Latin Music. Oh well, maybe next year he'll be recognized and honored for what he really is, one of the few remaining musical Living Legends of today and yesterday.

With Vamos a Bailar Otra Vez, Latin music legend Lalo Guerrero offers a touch of the old days along with some great new songs dealing with today's realities.
Long time fans will thrill to the remake of Marihuana Boogie, the lyrics of which can be interpreted several ways. But Guerrero shows us also that he is not stuck in the past. Los Carnalitos, performed in Spanish and in English, is a heartfelt plea to barrio youth not to involve themselves with drugs and gangs, to stay in school, and for the young ladies, to save themselves for marriage. To an outsider, the lyrics may seem incredibly hokey, but coming from a respected legend they just might have the desired effect on at least some youngsters. My favorite line is where he tells young men that if they are feeling macho, like to play with guns and want to shoot somebody, they should join the Marines who will give them a real enemy to face.
My other favorites are Barrio Viejo, which poignantly addresses aging and facing up to change and the gorgeous bolero Nunca Jamas. Other songs offer a taste of salsa and big band, so no matter what your musical tastes are, there should be something to like here despite occasionally cheesy lyrics on just a couple of songs. Vamos A Bailar Otra Vez is one CD that will not sit on the shelf gathering dust.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the "Father of Chicano Music" - this is a must listen to CD! For those of you who have enjoyed Lalo throughout his countless years in the music industry, this is a wonderful compilation of his music, which I am sure you will enjoy as much as I have, over and over again!!! This CD has music which not only makes you want to get up and dance with his boogie/swing Tin Marin, Marijuana Boogie, La Cosa, but Lalo's "Barrio Viejo" is extremely moving. It sends us a message of the old neighborhood Lalo knew in his youth and how it, and he at present, is forgotten and no longer useful, presented in both English and Spanish versions. I believe this CD is a treasure, as is the timeless Mr. Guerrero, and everyone will enjoy it to its fullest. I have also just finished reading the new Auto-Biography "Lalo, My Life and Music". What a treat! If you enjoy this CD, his book is a must!!! I highly recommend buying this CD and am wondering where Mr. Guerrero's Grammy is, after over 70 years in the industry??!!!!!!!

You don't have to be Latino to enjoy Lalo's Guerrero's new CD.The lyrics are a delightful mix of Spanish, English and Spanglish.The musical selections include comedy, romantic love songs, and the big band sounds of the 40's. My own favorite is the beautiful ballad Barrio Viejo--the Old Neighborhood. With his guitar and his voice, Lalo evokes memories of vanished places and childhood friends for everyone who hears him--even those of us who have never lived in a barrio. This CD serves as a reminder that no matter where our grandparents were born, we have a common language in music.

It is great to rediscover the music of Lalo Guerrero every time he has a new CD out. This time with a very melodic and uplifting beat great to party and to enjoy songs that cover a whole spectrum of our lives in California. His simple, direct and touching lyrics are a very much appreciated feature to his talent.

Reminding me of my culture while I dance to the beat of Lalo's music it's a big pleasure. Without question any person with a little sensibility will very much enjoy the talents of one of the best musical talents around in the Latino scene. I much rather listen to Lalo than any of those angry young kids that only complaint about everything.

Thank you Lalo for a very energetic and enjoyable CD>

I really enjoyed listening to this CD. Lalo Guerrero's seemingly boundless energy comes through no matter what the mood or style is of the song he's singing. Among the different kinds of musical textures on this CD, the Big Band stuff is my favorite. Although, I must say that hearing Lalo alone with only his guitar as accompaniment is a very poignant listening experience. No matter what track you listen to on this CD it's all Lalo. And that's a good thing. Lalo's music has something that just makes me smile. Maybe it's that certain something that we all what to keep hold of, and that's a youthful exuberance for life. Yea, that's what I hear on Lalo Guerrero's new CD. I hear a young man at heart singing to make us all feel good. And it's working Lalo!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the "Father of Chicano Music" - this is a must listen to CD! For those of you who have enjoyed Lalo throughout his countless years in the music industry, this is a wonderful compilation of his music, which I am sure you will enjoy as much as I have, over and over again!... This CD has music which not only makes you want to get up and dance with his boogie/swing Tin Marin, Marijuana Boogie, La Cosa, but Lalo's "Barrio Viejo" is extremely moving. It sends us a message of the old neighborhood Lalo knew in his youth and how it, and he at present, is forgotten and no longer useful, presented in both English and Spanish versions. I believe this CD is a treasure, as is the timeless Mr. Guerrero, and everyone will enjoy it to its fullest. I have also just finished reading the new Auto-Biography "Lalo, My Life and Music". What a treat! If you enjoy this CD, his book is a must!... I highly recommend buying this CD and am wondering where Mr. Guerrero's Grammy is, after over 70 years in the industry??!...

"AS A VERY YOUNG CHILD LIVING IN EAST LOS ANGELES - I REMEMBER ONE DAY WHILE TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH MY MOTHER AS SHE HURRIED THROUGH THE HOUSE, INTO THE BACKYARD, SHE CARRIED WITH HER A BASKET FULL OF WET LAUNDRY, ASKING HER WHILE IN MID STRIDE: "MAMA, QUE SOY YO?" (MAMA, WHAT AM I?). STOPPING SHE TURNED TOWARDS ME WITH A PUZZLED LOOK ON HER FACE, AS IF SHE WAS NOT QUITE SURE WHY OR WHAT I WAS WANTING TO KNOW, LOWERING THE BASKET, THEN SLOWLY DRYING HER HANDS ON HER WET APRON, KNEELING DOWN, SHE LOOKED ME IN THE EYE WHILE PUSHING HER HAIR FROM HER FACE SAID: "MIJO, TU ERES PURO MEXICANO" (SON, YOU'RE ALL MEXICAN) WITH THAT SHE GOT UP, PICKED UP HER BASKET, SMILED PROUDLY, THEN WALKED AWAY. I DID'NT QUITE UNDERSTAND WHY, WHAT SHE HAD SAID MADE ME FEEL SO PROUD, BUT IT DID. I MUST HAVE FELT TEN FEET TALL THAT DAY. THAT'S THE WAY "LALO GUERRERO" MAKES ME FEEL WITH HIS MUSIC, PROUD, TO BE WHAT I AM. THIS ALBUM CONTAINS MUSIC THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO DANCE AND SING. "LALO GUERRERO" HAS THROUGHOUT SIX (6) DECADES WRITTEN SONGS ABOUT HIS PEOPLE. SOME ARE SPRINKLED WITH HUMOR, SOME ARE JUST SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL. BUT, ALL HIS MUSIC COMES WITH A MESSAGE AND THE HEART AND FEELINGS OF ALL LATINOS AND IF YOU ARE NOT LATINO, THIS ALBUM WAS RECORDED BILINGUAL SO YOU TOO CAN ENJOY HIS GREAT MUSICAL HERITAGE. LALO GUERRERO IS INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN AS THE FATHER OF "LATIN SWING" AND "CHICANO MUSIC". NOW IT'S TIME FOR ALL TO KNOW THE MAN BEHIND THE GREAT MUSIC. ENJOY THE MUSIC, DANCE AND WHEN YOU DO, LET YOUR KIDS KNOW WHO AND WHAT "LALO GUERRERO" IS ALL ABOUT AND DO IT WITH GREAT PRIDE. REMEMBER WE ALL COME FROM DIFFERENT POINTS ON THIS EARTH WITH DIFFERENT CUSTOMS, IN MANY DIFFERENT COLORS, SHAPES AND SIZES, BUT ALL LATINOS AND NON-LATINOS ALIKE UNDERSTAND THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF MUSIC AND SAVOR (FLAVOR) LIVES WITHIN ALL OUR SOULS. IT IS WITH MUCH PRIDE AND HONOR THAT I PRESENT THIS VERY SPECIAL ALBUM OF MUSIC AND WISDOM BY THIS 84 YEAR OLD LIVING LEGEND "MR. LALO GUERRERO". BENJAMIN ESPARZA-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - BREAK RECORDS, Inc.