LOS FABULOCOS FEATURING KID RAMOS Source: Unknown Source Date: 01/2009 Writer: Luanne J. Hunt

The accordion driven music of Los Fabulocos is easily outside the box, according to guitarist Kid Ramos. But Ramos, who joined the band in 2006, said it works and that’s all that matters.

Since forming in 2002, the four piece ensemble from Whittier has built a large local following with its eclectic mix of styles, including, Mexican, Spanish, Cajun, R&B, country and rockabilly. And while Los Fabulocos hasn’t landed a major recording contract, Ramos said having the support of so many fans makes the band feel like superstars.

“It’s hard to define all the characteristics of our music,” said Ramos.

“We call it American roots music and it has a little bit of everything,” Ramos said. “To us, genre doesn’t really matter. It’s a question of whether or not the music is good and if it comes from the heart. If that’s the case, people will relate and respond to it.”

Accordion player/vocalist Jesse Cuevas and drummer Mike Molina, both from Whittier, founded Los Fabulocos with the intention of creating a new and innovative sound combining their many influences. Ramos of Anaheim and James Barrios (vocals, bass) of Whittier rounded out the band.

Cuevas said Los Fabulocos performs at festivals, clubs and private parties, playing everything from its originals to songs by Buck Owens, Fats Domino and Los Lobos.

But whatever tune Los Fabulocos plays, Cuevas said it’s delivered with the kind of energy, passion and excitement that makes people forget their troubles for a while.

“We want people to dance and have a great time,” said Cuevas. “With the way things are in the world, everyone needs a place where they can go and leave their worries behind.”

Cuevas admits that the bands distinctive sound has come a long way since the band first got together. He credits Ramos’ skillful guitar playing for taking the band’s sound to the next level.

During the 1980’s, Ramos, 50, toured with the James Harman Band, which opened for acts such as X, Oingo Boingo, The Blasters and The Plimsouls. Ramos left the band in 1988 and spent the next several years raising a family and holding down a day job.

In 1995, Ramos said he re-connected with his beloved music and joined the Fabulous Thunderbirds. He toured with the band for seven years and released three successful solo recordings on Evidence Records.

Although Ramos is not quite a household name, he has been hailed by fans and critics as one of the most exciting blues guitarists in the business. In 2007 and 2008, Ramos was nominated for “Blues Guitar Instrumentalist” by the Blues Music Awards.

“I’ve never had any expectations of being famous,” said Ramos. “I just enjoy playing music and the opportunity to get paid for it. What can be better than that?”

Beyond the excitement of playing for live audiences, Cuevas said he and his band mates are ecstatic over their first CD, which was released in August. The self-titled project was recorded on Delta Groove Records and contains 13 songs from Los Fabulocos’ live shows.

It features four original tunes, along with a variety of covers such as “All Night Long,” “Just Because,” and “You Ain’t Nothin’ But Fine.”

There are also three songs recorded in Spanish, “Un Mojado Sin Licencia,” “Como Un Perro,” and “Mexico Americano.”

According to Cuevas, the entire CD was recorded live in the studio in two days, a feat he never would have thought possible.

“Everything with the CD came together at the last minute,” said Cuevas. “And even though we didn’t have a whole lot of time to work on it, we’re very happy with how it turned out. Still, we hope to have a lot more time with our next CD.”