Pity the poor Southern Californian, bathing in sunshine and warm temperatures even at Christmas time. There's no snow for Santa's sleigh, and palm trees are notoriously hard to decorate. But somehow, East L.A.'s Los Lobos make it sound just as festive and traditional as anywhere, despite the fact that Frosty would melt in a moment.
Christmas is all about tradition, and for The Wolves, that means canciones, rancheras, and the music of Mexico and beyond into South America and other Latin countries. About the only thing you'll know by heart is "Feliz Navidad," made a festive favourite by Jose Feliciano. Most of the rest are traditional numbers in a variety of folk styles, played expertly by the group, with their usual soul and passion. Most fun is the novelty number "Donde Esta Santa Claus?", partially sung in English with lots of groove. The title cut is a great example of Los Lobos' signature blend, traditional sounds mixed with modern electric guitar and sax, giving it a r'n'b groove. Then there are straight-ahead trad numbers, "Las Mananitas" played on Mexican instruments such as the bajo sexto and the jarana.
More fun comes from a Freddy Fender cut, "It's Christmas Time In Texas," a more modern track that helps with the celebrating. And the group contributes their own very fine new track, a ballad called "Christmas and You," with that great late '50's feel, soulfully crooned by David Hidalgo. You can rest assured there's nothing in your Christmas album collection like this.
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