LOS FABULOCOS FEATURING KID RAMOS Source: Music City Blues Date: 08/2008 Writer: Don Crow

EDUCATED FOOL--IF YOU KNOW--CRAZY BABY--LONESOME TEARS IN MY EYES--UN MOJADO SIN LICENCIA--DAY AFTER DAY--COMO UN PERRO--YOU AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT FINE--YOU KEEP DRINKIN'--JUST BECAUSE--ALL NIGHT LONG--BURNIN' THE CHICKEN--MEXICO AMERICANO

     We were quite fortunate indeed to catch this up-and-coming band during the Delta Groove label showcase down in Clarksdale, MS, at the Ground Zero Blues Club the day after the Blues Awards on May 9.  The best way to describe Los Fabulocos is that they play a tantalizingly-spicy blend of authentic Cali-Mex, roots-inspired music that is mixed with decidedly north-of-the-border blues, R & B, and rockabilly, in the vein of Freddy Fender, Los Lobos and the Sir Douglas Quintet.  The group consists of vocalist and squeeze box-meister Jesus Cuevas, guitarist extraordinaire Kid Ramos, James Barrios on bass, and Mike Molina on drums. 

     As well as diversity, these young men also bring with them a great deal of energy, and this set has that "live" feel to it, altho it was recorded in-studio.  Cuevas spent time with a similar group in East L. A. known as the Blazers, while Kid Ramos has worked extensively with the James Harman Band, as well as labelmates The Mannish Boys.  They are liable to play a traditional Spanish tune, then follow it with a shot of rockabilly, and it is that spontaneity that keeps this material fresh, and listeners motivated. 

     The set kicks off with a blasting cover of Huey Smith's "Educated Fool," then, a few songs later, give a Spanish rendition of "Como Un Perro," for a good example.  Jesus Cuevas' lively button accordion playing and Kid Ramos' fat-toned guitar keeps these tunes not only authentic, but hoppin' as well.  Check out the cool squeeze-box riff that permeates "Day After Day," while the Kid's guitar is its perfect foil.  "You Keep Drinkin" is the tale of a man intent on drowning his sorrows over a lost love with "that good whiskey from Tennessee!"  And, Kid's guitar leads everyone in the rousing instrumental, "Burnin' The Chicken!" 

     The fellows also reached into their repertoire for some Fifties-flavored cuts that served as our favorites.  "You Ain't Nothin' But Fine" is as danceable as it can be, while "Crazy Baby" and "Just Because" are tailor-made for a little belly-rubbin'........