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I recently received a phone call from Bravo Records and was asked to do a CD review of Los Hermanos Cortez’ CD entitled Ahora Si. I had heard of Los Hermanos Cortez, a Houston based band, a talented group of guys packing each and every concert hall and event the performed in. I also was familiar with the catchy tune “El Internet” that is on the Ahora Si CD.
The current members of Los Hermanos Cortez consist of :
Monico Cortez Sr. - Lead Vocals
Ray “Red” Cortez - Drums
Monico Cortez Jr. - Vocals, Percussion
Freddie “Pato” Cadriel - Accordion
Yo-Yo Guzman - Bajo Sexto, Vocals
Alex Elias - Bass Guitar
In reviewing Los Hermanos Cortez’ background, the nucleus of the group has been around for 15 years but the history of the Los Hermanos Cortez spans back to forty years with the elder Cortez family starting the group. But we are here to review the current members of the band and the Ahora Si CD, so let’s get to it.
1) Burla De Amor- The Bajo Sexto and Accordion intro was great on Burla De Amor and when Monico Sr. kicks in with the vocals the track comes together superbly. For being labeled a Conjunto group, they tend to break barriers and fall more into a progressive sounding Conjunto. That’s a capital P in progressive. They really are as good as they get in the Progressive Conjunto category.
2) Dichoso Soy- I have heard several artists sing this song either on CD projects or at concerts. Los Hermanos Cortez pull-off this popular classic to the “T”. Hitting each high and low in the song like it should be preformed. You will have hear this tune sung by Los Hermanos Cortez to appreciate it for yourself.
3) Andan Diciendo - Los Hermanos Cortez’ conjunto roots comes out in “Andan Diciendo”. The accordion playing is powerful and is heard throughout the entire track.
4) El Internet- This song is off the charts and should be considered a sure bet for song of the year or crossover song. It spurred flashbacks of great tunes like Cowboy Cumbia, La Papaya and other catchy tunes that Tejano artists have recorded.
5) Se Lo Dejo A Dios - If you are looking for a hard-core Conjunto song from Los Hermanos Cortez, “Se Lo Dejo A Dios” is it. It has all the ingredients of puro conjunto through the entire track.
6) Ahora Si - Los Hermanos Cortez show their Progressive Conjunto style in “Ahora Si”. Bravo Records and Los Hermanos Cortez did a great job on music selection and the hard work in the studio paid off.
7) Te Quiero Mucho - This is my favorite of all. I can’t put my finger on it but it’s one of those songs, when you hear it, you insistently like it. Much so of “Te Quiero Mucho” it’s a instant danceable, party pleaser.
8) The Duck & The Yo Yo - For those of you that don’t have a copy of the CD. The Duck & The Yo-Yo song refers to Freddie “Pato” Cadriel on accordion and Yo-Yo Guzman on Bajo Sexto and when you put these two gentlemen together you have the makings of a great Polka song, which is what “The Duck & The Yo-Yo is, Cadriel and Guzman doing a Polka ballad.
9) Paloma Piquito De Oro - Monico Cortez Sr. and Los Hermanos Cortez really loosen up and enjoy themselves on this track. The true enjoyment of being musicians and recording a track shines on this track. I could have only wished to have been in the studio as the worked on it. The group exuded true entertainment excellence in this song.
10) Dile A Tu Marido - I enjoyed this track as well. The Houston based band, showed me why they are a Houston favorite. The “Ahora Si” CD should do them great justice as being recognized not only in the Texas market but also in the concert circuit in California and Midwest where Progressive Conjunto is hot and in high demand.
Closing comments: I would like to thank Bravo Records for exposing me to the entire CD. I was basing my knowledge of Los Hermanos Cortez only on the feedback I was getting from concert goers and the one song “El Internet”. Again, the songs were all well done. Key songs that stood out for me were; Te Quiero, Dichoso Soy, El Internet, Ahora Si, Paloma Piquito De Oro
I give it a FiveStar rating. *****
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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