Trax
By Bliss 10/01/2009 

Pasadena Weekly

LOS CENZONTLES WITH DAVID HIDALGO & TAJ MAHAL,
American Horizon (Cenzontles):

(4 out of 5 stars)

The Bay Area collective’s often moving bilingual song cycle concerning workers and the immigrants fittingly — and consciously — follows multi-genre style of Ry Cooder’s “Chavez Ravine” and Los Lobos’ “The Town and the City.” Lobos guitarist David Hidalgo’s fluid fretwork connects songs like dramatic thread, while bluesman Taj Mahal’s earthy groove electrifies “Sueños” and boogeying “One Hot Mama.” Most tracks blend traditional Mexican folk, cumbia and rock, though “No Work” plays out like film audio over bluesy harmonica as a worker makes rounds seeking employment. At the Hollywood Bowl Saturday;
CD out Nov. 3. loscenzontles.com.