Search - Mazz :: Cuantas Veces

For most of the '90s Mazz was the heaviest Tejano band in the market, with solid rhythmic cumbias and crunching polkas. Though not widely recognized, this CD ranks among their benchmark productions for several underappreciated tracks. First, the elegant and timeless bolero "Basura" is given new life as singer Joe Lopez conveys the indignity of being casually tossed aside in an intense relationship. For dance fans, blues-ranchera fire is brought to bear on the percussion-heavy polka "Esta Tristeza," on the price of lost love. Also unforgettable is the group's melancholy take on the old-time conjunto melodies of "Ojos Querendones." This was one of the early hits for the late accordionist Ruben Naranjo, who passed away early the same year that this CD was released, 1998. This is classy, passionate, and powerful stuff. --Ramiro Burr