Los Lonely Boys Sacred CD

Texan trio Los Lonely Boys (comprising siblings Henry, JoJo, and Ringo Garza) garnered plenty of attention when their self-titled debut (recorded with and championed by Willie Nelson) was released on Epic Records in 2004. The group's 2006 follow-up, SACRED, expands upon the first album's powerful roots-rock sound, adding additional elements of soul, R&B, country, and Tejano to the mix, while fleshing out the sound with accordion, electric organ, and horns.

The album's lead-off single, "Diamonds," encapsulates everything exciting about the band with its muscular guitar attack, high-flown harmonies, and inescapably catchy refrain. But there are plenty of highlights here, including the album's opener, "My Way," and the stirring ballad "I Never Met a Woman." Guest appearances by Willie Nelson and the Boys' father Enrique Garza boost the album's profile while simultaneously keeping it all in the family.

Audio Mixer: John Porter.

Liner Note Author: Jim Mona.

Recording information: A 440 Studios, Minneapolis, MN; Airshow Remote, Boulder, CO; Castle Oaks Studios, Calabassas, CA; Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA; House Of Blues Studios, Encino, CA; Perdernales Studios, Austin, TX; Right Track Studios, New York, NY; Sage and Sound Recording, Los Angeles, CA; SOund Kitchen, Franklin, TN; Studio 6, Nashville, TN; Ultratone Studios, Studios, City, CA.

Photographer: Danny Clinch.

Los Lonely Boys: JoJo Garza (vocals, piano, bass guitar); Henry Garza, Ringo Garza.

Personnel: Henry Garza (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica); Ringo Garza (vocals, drums); Enrique Garza, Sr., Willie Nelson (vocals); John Porter (guitar, acoustic guitar, Wurlitzer organ); Jimmy Hall (harmonica); Joe Sublett, Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff (tenor saxophone); John H.R. Mills (baritone saxophone); Darrell Leonard, Al Gomez (trumpet); Randy Zimmerman (trombone); Mike Finnegan (organ, Wurlitzer organ, keyboards); Carl Perazza, Eric Darken, Lenny Castro (percussion).

Rolling Stone (pp.95-96) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "SACRED stays true to the debut: There's a fuller sound, but most songs are full of session-men chops plus either pristine harmonies or tough-guy 'tude."
Spin (p.81) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[E]xpertly executed....On 'Outlaws,' Willie Nelson drops by to add the shot of casual rebelliousness..."
Entertainment Weekly (p.68) - "The major draw is Henry's fleet-fingered guitar work....He has the makings of a world-class guitar hero."