Te Presumo

Album review

All too often, pioneers who helped to build a particular genre or subgenre of music disappear from the scene or receive little attention when that genre or subgenre eventually becomes ultra-popular. Most of the bachata pioneers who were active during the 1960s didn't profit at all during the bachata boom of the 1990s and 2000s. Most of the hip-hop pioneers who were rapping in New York City in the late '70s didn't make nearly as much money as the platinum-selling rappers who came along after hip-hop went from having a small cult following to being a huge international phenomenon. So bearing all that in mind, it's heartening to know that La Banda el Recodo -- an outfit that has been around since 1938 -- reaped the commercial rewards during the 1990s/2000s banda explosion. Not only have La Banda el Recodo enjoyed real staying power (albeit with many lineup changes along the way), but they have also continued to record frequently. There are numerous Banda el Recodo albums to choose from; Te Presumo was released in 2008, the year of their 70th anniversary. This 45-minute CD contains its share of Latin pop-influenced material, including "Tus Palabras," "Parece Mentira," and the title track. But La Banda el Recodo favor a tropical feel on exuberant offerings like "Sube, Sube, Sube" and "Las Tontas No Van al Cielo" (both of which are pure party music). Meanwhile, a more traditional, classically Mexican approach prevails on the corrido "Los Dos Jefes" and the ranchera-minded "Por una Mujer Bonita." And through it all, La Banda el Recodo maintain the brassiness they have long been known for. Although not among their essential releases, Te Presumo is an enjoyable demonstration of La Banda el Recodo's versatility as well as their longevity.

© Alex Henderson /TiVo