LOS FABULOCOS FEATURING KID RAMOS "DOS" Source: Blues Matters Date: 02/2011 Writer: Norman Darwin

Opening with a slightly different take on the laid-back California country-rock sound, "Dos" is, as the Spanish speakers will realize, the second album from Cali-Mex outfit Los Fabulocos. If the first album was something of a revelation, this follow-up is "just" a confirmation that it was no flash-in-the-pan. Kid Ramos is known from his work with Hollywood Fats, James Harman, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and The Mannish Boys, among others – a quality guitar player in other words – whilst accordionist and lead vocalist Jesus Cuevas (singing in Spanish and English) and drummer Mike Molina were formerly of The Blazers. Los Lobos may be an obvious influence, but these guys take it much further as they rock, roll, boogie, sway, slow-drag and two-step in and out of Blues, R&B, Tex-Mex, zydeco and good old Rock and Roll, mixing it all up with undoubted style and class. Take a listen to 'Los Chucos Suaves', with its "Rock and Roll meets Rumba" approach… but really, I only suggested that because it's what's on at the moment. I could pick any (or preferably all) of these dozen tracks to recommend to you for a quick listen to convert you to the cause.