Worksongs

Quetzal

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 8, 2003)
• Original Release Date: July 8, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vanguard Records
• ASIN: B00009Y3NG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #209,859 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Latin Music > Regional Mexican > Mexican Cumbia

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Like its hometown of Los Angeles, the 10-year-old Mexican-American sextet Quetzal is a patchwork of North and s South, encompassing such north of the border sounds as modern rock and soul, as well as earthy Mexican folk music, driving salsa, loping cumbia rhythms, and chattering Afro-Cuban percussion. With these decidedly pan-cultural leanings, it's no surprise that the band's second album for Vanguard was produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. Unlike Berlin's group, however, Quetzal's sound works better in lounges and on dance clubs (when not digging deep into the tradition) than Los Lobos's rough and ready bar band boogie. Martha Gonzales is an outstanding vocalist (in both English and Spanish) who is at turns sensual and soulful, indignant and insightful. She, with help from the others, sings about the hopes and dreams of life in the barrio, often from a woman's perspective. Well-crafted and revved with thoughtful ambition, Worksongs takes its story of a minority and fashions it into something quite universal. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Poetry!, January 2, 2004

By A Customer

Quetzal is a soulful band with deep lyrics and hypnotic, meditative rhythms. This CD is filled with the personal experiences of an entire community. You will not find frivolous love balads or teen angst here. It's much deeper than that.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, July 10, 2003

By A Customer

I really like this cd. The blend of music from both new and old times creates a unique sound of great music. I can relate to the themes and messages of each and every song. I feel like Quetzal understands tradition and communicates them passionately through their songs. I highly recommend this album to anyone you enjoys traditional latin music.