Search - Flaco Jiménez :: Partners

Here's the skinny on Flaco

David Kinney | San Francisco, Ca. United States | 12/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The concept of pairing talented sidemen with more reknowned guest musicians is not a new one, and more often than not the results are strangely flat. That is not the case here however. Flaco Jimenez along with his brother and father are famous bandleaders themselves in the world of conjunto and norteno border music. It was this notoriety that led to Flaco playing accordian on recordings from artists as diverse as Peter Rowan , The Texas Tornadoes and the Stones. On this wonderful CD, some of Flaco's biggest admirers repay the favor by appearing on his recording. Everything works here believe it or not. I always have some concern with Linda Ronstadt's interpretations of songs, but she's quite stunning on "Puente Roto". Steven Stills probably could have chosen something a little less dated to sing than "Change Partners",but hey, maybe it was Flaco's request and it'a a good 'un too. Everybody from Emmylou to Ry Cooder sounds like they're having a ball with there old friend Flaco.John Hiatt darn near steals the show with a lovely reading of his song "The Border". Los Lobos' David Hildago must be in heaven playing accordion with his hero on "Don't Worry Baby". And then there's Dwight Yoakum's cover of Warren Zevon's "Carmelita", a reading so poignant and heartfelt that it made me forget Zevon's pretty terrific version for a while. Country radio would never dare play "Carmelita" so you Yoakum fans will want to hear this.You'll be treating yourself to some splendid listening in the bargain.Nice job Flaco."

The King of Conjunto, With A Little Help From His Friends

MG Nagy | 08/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Flaco is a national treasure, who makes records that are far better known by Mexicans & Mexican Americans than by your average American white guy (like myself).



So, this record might seem as a bit of a dicey proposition: Hook Flaco up with a bunch of people on the Warner roster and see what happens.



The results are almost perfect.



The high point is Dwight Yoakam guesting on what is the definitive read of Warren Zevon's "Carmelita." The effect is the same as Hendrix covering "All Along The Watch Tower": Dylan wrote and performed it, but Hendrix OWNS it. This is the case with "Carmelita," and reason enough to buy the disc.



Other high points include a great read of "Marina," "Las Golondrinas," and his father's "Eres Un Encanto." "El Puente Roto" is wonderful as a duet with Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris absolutely glows on "West Texas Waltz."



Maybe the only problem with some tracks is that they suffer by comparison. Stephen Stills sounds fine on his "Change Partners," but they play it too fast. Ry Cooder is featured on "The Girls From Texas" (yes, he brought Jim Keltner with him). While it's a fun read, the arrangment only *seems* loose, while playing comes off as studied and stiff. Los Lobos show up on "Don't Worry Baby," but don't really ignite (like their cover of "Bertha," on the Grateful Dead tribute "Deadicated").



Overall, a great record that serves as a easy introduction for North of the Border audiences, giving a little taste of Authentic Northern Mexican (Or Tex-Mex, depending on your view) spice to go along with the regular fare."

The one and only Flaco !!

Gia | Woodland Hills, CA USA | 10/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this cd years ago after I got into the Texas Tornados first release. I loved this cd! It moves and grooves.
He recruited 'partners' Stephan Stills ("Change Partners") Dwight Yoakum (on "Carmelita") and the always fabulous
Linda Ronstadt(on "Puente Roto").
I loved all the songs and was pleasently surprised at how versatile he is, and how he blends in so smoothly on all the tracks. It seems an effortless project...
Definitely one for the collection!"