Quetzal
Worksongs
(Vanguard)
First Appeared at The Music Box, August 2003, Volume 10, #8
Written by John Metzger
On its latest effort Worksongs, Quetzal continues its rapid growth and
maturity as a band. The group’s lyrics have always been socially aware
commentaries about the plight of Mexican-American workers, their families, and
their place within the world, but its music, for all its ambitions, has
sometimes faltered. Though the ensemble still draws upon a wide sonic palette
that blends rock, soul, and jazz with Afro-Cuban and Columbian rhythms as well
as traditional Mexican folk, the stylistic transitions and juxtapositions are no
longer jarring, nor do they feel uncomfortably forced to cohabit the same space.
Instead, the album’s flow is organic and graceful, shifting from the
intoxicating groove of Planta de los Pies to the percussive Alimentate
to the gentle, emotive beauty of Limones Agrios with remarkably sonorous
ease. Credit producer Steve Berlin for helping Quetzal to focus on pulling such
diverse statements together so seamlessly, thereby allowing Worksongs to
become the band’s most cohesive and alluring outing to date. 
½
Of Further Interest...
Mickey Hart - Spirit Into Sound
Puerto Plata - Mujer de Cabaret
Santana - Multi Dimensional Warrior
Worksongs is available from Barnes & Noble.
To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2003 The Music Box