Charanga Cakewalk,
Chicano Zen



Label: Triloka

(4 out of 5)

Michael Ramos is sideman extraordinaire, supporting the likes of the BoDeans, John Mellencamp, and Patty Griffin. But as we first glimpsed on 2004's Loteria de la Cumbia Lounge (review), he's also a captivating one-man band. Ramos once again serves up a feisty tropical blend with Chicano Zen, the latest from Charanga Cakewalk.

¡Que charanga! The groove reigns supreme. Each track comprises layer upon layer of instruments that span the human era — from simple maracas to the bajo sexto, the Hammond B3 to the latest in high-tech keyboards. What could be cacophonous chaos in lesser hands instead blossoms into hyper-kinetic explorations of our multi-cultural world.

Ramos crafts the 10 exquisite originals around such universal themes as memory ("La Mimosa" — listen), harmony ("La Corriente" — listen), and mystery ("Vida Magica" — listen). There's also one cover, of Jose Feliciano's "No Soy Feliz" (listen), featuring the incomparable Ruben Ramos and Patty Griffin on vocals. Numerous other musicians also pitch in throughout the album, including David Garza (vocals, guitars, and piano), Lila Downs (vocals), and Max Baca (bajo sexto and electric bass).

Chicano Zen is all about building and maintaining positive energy and harmonious balance. It's a foot-tapping, rhythmic exhortation to keep on the sunny side, even in troubling times — and it just may be the feel-good album of the year.

Reviewed by Patrick Nichols (email)
June 6, 2006