Del Este de Los Angeles (Just Another Band from East L.A.)

Amazon.com
Long before they became American rock legends and Grammy favorites, Los Lobos (or rather Los Lobos del Este de Los Angeles--the Wolves of East Los Angeles--as they were then known) turned a faithful musical tutelage by their parents' Mexican folk music records into a steady stream of gigs at parties, weddings, and what was then a career plateau--a regular engagement at a Mexican restaurant. They also invested in this long out-of-print 1978 independent recording of the best of their all-acoustic traditional Mexican repertoire of that time. Perhaps prophetic of the fusion to come, they named themselves after a popular Tex-Mex group, Los Lobos del Norte, but titled the LP in a good-natured nod to Frank Zappa. Though light years from the experimentation of Kiko and Colossal Head, this collection nonetheless exudes a dedication, soul, and sheer musicality that will be instantly familiar to Lobos admirers. Especially in tackling chestnuts such as "Cielito Lindo" (here quickly segueing from typically sloppy party favorite into a fresh, intricate arrangement in a heartbeat) and "Guantanamera" (in a traditional, rhythmically compelling guajira), the Lobos can't resist some loving musical tweaking. More than just the roots of a modern legend, this is truly music from the heart. --Jerry McCulley

From Rhythm Magazine
Before they were "discovered," Los Lobos were a small group of buddies who would spend weekends playing Mexican folk songs at weddings and parties. When they broke big, they apparently decided that no one was interested in the sampler album that they'd sell at those East LA parties. Now that it seems we are ready, Los Lobos has released its first full-length album of Mexican songs. Fans, of course, know that they have often added a ranchera or son jarocho amid its rock 'n' roll albums, and even released a short EP of Mexican tunes. You'd never know that the tracks comprising this CD version have been gathering dust for years: The sound quality and playing are clean and the tunes are performed with the usual Los Lobos heartfelt dedication. Generally, the album races by with David Hidalgo picking and whooping through the traditional tunes and Cesar Rosas taking more of the singing duties, including several lovely boleros. This is the album many of us have been waiting for and-surprise-it was waiting for us. -Marty Lipp

Del Este de Los Angeles (Just Another Band from East L.A.),Los Lobos,Hollywood Records,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Heartland Rock,Latin,Rock,Rock/Pop,Roots Rock,Tex-Mex

Jazz

Music

jazz

Tracks:

El Canelo (Son Jarocho)
El Pescado Nadador (Ranchera)
Sabor A Mi (Bolero)
Flor De Huevo (Son Locos)
Cielito Lindo (Cancion Mexicana)
La Iguana (Son Jarocho)
El Cuchipe (Cancion Boliviana)
Imploracion (Bolero Ranchero)
Guantanamera (Guajira)
La Feria De Las Flores (Ranchera)
Maria Chuchena (Son Jarocho)
El Bon Bon De Elena (Plena)

Amazon.com

Long before they became American rock legends and Grammy favorites, Los Lobos (or rather Los Lobos del Este de Los Angeles--the Wolves of East Los Angeles--as they were then known) turned a faithful musical tutelage by their parents' Mexican folk music records into a steady stream of gigs at parties, weddings, and what was then a career plateau--a regular engagement at a Mexican restaurant. They also invested in this long out-of-print 1978 independent recording of the best of their all-acoustic traditional Mexican repertoire of that time. Perhaps prophetic of the fusion to come, they named themselves after a popular Tex-Mex group, Los Lobos del Norte, but titled the LP in a good-natured nod to Frank Zappa. Though light years from the experimentation of Kiko and Colossal Head, this collection nonetheless exudes a dedication, soul, and sheer musicality that will be instantly familiar to Lobos admirers. Especially in tackling chestnuts such as "Cielito Lindo" (here quickly segueing from typically sloppy party favorite into a fresh, intricate arrangement in a heartbeat) and "Guantanamera" (in a traditional, rhythmically compelling guajira), the Lobos can't resist some loving musical tweaking. More than just the roots of a modern legend, this is truly music from the heart. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-01-14

My students sing along to this CD as they do art projects. Great versions of Cielito Lindo and others. I love this CD.

10 Years before "La Bamba".......2006-12-30

In 1987 Los Lobos became worldwide known thanks to the title song
of the movie "la Bamba" inspired in the life of the first hispanic
Rock & Roll star Ritchie Valens who had a big hit with it in 1958/59.
It was Ritchie's idea to record a typical Mexican folk song from Veracruz
and launch it on the market against the will of everybody. It would
become one of the most popular songs ever and recorded by hundreds of
different artists in the past fifty years. Los Lobos' version made it to
number 1 for 3 consecutive weeks. Ten years earlier these guys recorded
a number of traditional Mexican songs like La Bamba called "Just another band
from East L.A." whose original tapes have been recuperated in 2000.
What a treasure! Beautiful songs from ranchera to bolero and from
jarocho to a traditional Bolivian and Cuban song. An incredible band
still making great music today as Los Lobos or taking part in projects or groups
like the wonderful Los Super Seven.

Incredible guitar work .......2004-10-22

This album consists of all tradional-style songs, which were recorded before the band's rise to fame. Songs showcase the incredible talent of Los Lobos, making what is kinda cheesy music sound really cool. I also recomend "This Time", a little more garage rock influenced, but also with some folk-songs on it.

Musico Mexicano con SOUL!!.......2003-01-05

Without a doubt this collection of Los Lobos
songs are fabulous. I have given this CD to family and friends
and their reaction was the same as mine.
If you grew up in or near a Mexican neighborhood this
music will touch your soul!!!

In The Beginning There Was This Little Band From East L.A..........2002-07-04

This is a must have for not only Los Lobos fans but those somewhat interested in their music. This album contains truly classic Mexican traditional songs that I used to hear as a child at family gatherings and continue to hear to this day with much pride and honor ! The guitar/acoustical arrangements are truly flawless and crisp. The rhythms are highly infectious and the melodies will stay with the listener long after the fiesta is over or the cd player stops ! Sabor A Mi is a timeless romantic bolero interpreted over the decades by other Latino artists (Trio Los Panchos come to mind). Here The Lobos do the song much justice with their perfect rendition. Guitars never sounded so awesome ! Yes, the Spanish language is beautiful (even if some listeners don't understand it). It's the music and harmonic vocals tht should captivate (and do) regardless of any language...

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

jazz music