Song list: Cumbia Del Sol - Sabor A Mi - Mandolay - Mystique is Here - Ffun - Que Rico El Mambo - La Mas Bonita - La Mucura - Las Nubes - Volver, Volver - Rinconcito En El Cielo

Mystique the Band

Musica Caliente

Villalba Records

 Once in awhile you come across a recording that makes you stop and say “mmm that sounds nice.”  Such is the case with this fine effort by the band Mystique.  The Bay Area is widely known and respected for the great music that it has inspired and produced. Bands like Sapo, Sly and the Family Stone, Cold Blood, Azteca, Malo, and the powerhouse, Tower of Power.  These bands have long been recognized and known for their unique and driving sounds.  Fusing Rock, Jazz, Soul, Funk and Latin these groups have enjoyed success in the barrios of the Southwest and beyond.   They were able to garner attention and appreciation because of their versatility.  They also inspired many to pick up a guitar or sit down and learn the complexity of the Conga drums.

 Mystique originally was going to be a straight-ahead Salsa band.  However, Bandleader Edward Villalba inspired from the pleasant memories of all the Weddings, Quinceneras and of the days of enjoying music in the park decided on a different direction.  The memories he had were of the live bands that would play a variety of musical styles.  This style is better known as Chicano Music.  What is Chicano music you say?  Well Chicano music is a little bit of everything.  It is Salsa, Jazz, R&B Oldies, Tejano Tex-Mex and Boleros.  This is the music you will hear in the homes and in the neighborhoods.  When you attend a wedding you are not only there to celebrate the sacred occasion you are there to cause you know that the band or DJ will be playing some hot stuff. 

 Musica Caliente is what the Mystique band plays.  On this versatile recording you will enjoy Cumbia’s, Classic Tejano Tex-Mex, Funk and Dance music.  Although, this is a gran repertoire of sounds this powerful energetic group plays them in authentic fashion.  No matter what you listen to you will not be disappointed.  For instance, do you remember that Dance hall classic by Le Flavour “Mondolay?”  Mystique adds there own touch of Latin soul to this one and it cooks.  If you like the timeless classic tunes from years gone by you will enjoy “Cumbia Del Sol”(listen to the nice mambo intro led by a blasting Trumpet), “ La Mas bonita”, ‘Que Rico Mambo”, “Las Nubes” (made popular by Chicano music legend Little Joe y La Familia) and “La Mucura.”  No collection of classic Latin favorites would be complete with out the all-time and ultimate Bolero “Sabor A Mi” composed by the highly esteemed Alvaro Carrillo.  This rendition will bring a tear to your eye and a sense of pride to your heart.  So if you’re looking for some fun music by a fun band call up your friends and familia and slip this one on.  Watch and enjoy their reaction.  You will know Mystique is here, Enjoy.            

 A Review By

Erik Chico Manqueros - Host/Producer

The Latin Style of Jazz radio show & Contributing writer

Latin Style Magazine & www.LatinJazzclub.com

- LEN RAMIREZ, News Anchorman
KPIX Channel 5, CBS News Affiliate, San Francisco