Best Of Flaco Jimenez CD

Flaco Jimenez's storied career saw him straddling the line between traditionalist and pioneer in the musical stew that was the border region of Texas. While well-known for his forays into popular music with fellow San Antonians Doug Sahm and Freddy Fender--most notably on Sahm's 1973 release, SIR DOUG AND HIS BAND, and later in the San Antonio supergroup Texas Tornados--Jimenez is a purist at heart, and the 1999 release THE BEST OF FLACO JIMENEZ looks past his collaborations with rock-&-rollers to focus on his hardcore tejano roots and his feathery expertise with an accordion. The songs are almost exclusively traditional fare sung in Spanish, with the notable exception of Peter Rowan's "Free Mexican Airforce," the presence of which seems rather tongue-in-cheek considering its company on this collection. Regardless, the disc remains a great introduction for anyone with any interest in one of the most interesting figures in American music.

Includes liner notes by Chris Strachwitz.

Reissue producer: Chris Strachwitz.

Personnel: Flaco Jiménez (accordion); Fred Ojeda, Henry Zimmerle, Hugo Gonzalez, Peter Rowan, Toby Torres (vocals); Ry Cooder (guitar).

Personnel includes: Flaco Jimenez (vocals, accordion); Toby Torres, Fred Ojeda, Henry Zimmerle, Hugo Gonzalez, Peter Rowan (vocals); Ry Cooder (slide guitar).

Producers: Hymie Wolf, Jose Morante, Chris Strachwitz, Joey Lopez, Ry Cooder.

Dirty Linen (10-11/99, p.88) - "...a remarkably diverse collection....this is the first record that truly shows the full breadth of his talent."