Los Super Seven Canto CD

For Los Super Seven's second exploration of the Latin music diaspora, the focus shifts from Tex-Mex influences to the more Afro-driven rhythms of the Caribbean and South America. Joining returning members David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas (of Los Lobos), Norteno notable Ruben Ramos, and Rick Trevino is Mavericks frontman Raul Malo, who honors his Cuban roots with a rich reading of Ernesto Lecuona's ballad "Siboney" and Beny More's lilting "Me Voy Pa'l Pueblo." Fellow country music artist Trevino proves his mettle as he yodels his way through an invigorating version of Alfredo Gutierrez's "Paloma Guarumera" and an equally infectious reading of Los Trio Matamoros' "El que Siembre su Maiz".

Elsewhere, Peruvian diva Susana Baca delicately delivers the sparse lullaby "Drumi Mobila" and tropicalia legend Caetano Veloso switches gears to Portuguese to revisit his elegant "Qualquer Coisa" and Os Mutantes' equally delicate "Baby." Other noteworthy cuts include Ramos's lively comical cover of "Compay Gato," Hidalgo's swirling, psychedelic-flavored English-language musical prayer "Teresa," and "Campesino," Rosas's chugging, self-penned tribute to Mexican farm workers. The highlight is "Calle Dieciseis," a simmering tale of a man looking back at his life amid a haze of lightly plucked guitar, relentless percussion and sotto voce lamenting by Hidalgo and Ramos.

CANTO was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Tropical Album.

Los Super Seven includes: Rick Trevino (vocals, guitar, mellotron); Caetano Veloso (vocals, guitar); Susana Baca, Cesar Rosas (vocals); David Hidalgo (requinto, tres, background vocals); Alberto Salas (piano, percussion); Wil Dog Abers, Ruben Rodriguez (bass); Cougar Estrada (drums, percussion); Billy West, Ruben Ramos, Raul Malo (background vocals).

Entertainment Weekly (3/16/01, p.68) - "...Draws from Cuba and South America...anchoring Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos....Several arrangements lean to the left, bringing to mind the Latin Playboys." - Rating: B+
CMJ (3/12/01, p.14) - "...Soothingly latin-romantic and joyfully percussive....tapping into Mavericks' singer Raul Malo's salsa-fied roots to croon a suave mambo..."