Tequila

Tequila were one of Spain's most popular and influential rock bands of the 1970s and '80s, breaking down the doors for rock & roll in the post-Franco era and winning a massive following at home for their music, rooted in the classic style of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones. Tequila were formed in 1975 by a pair of Argentinian expatriates, lead singer Alejo Stivel and lead guitarist Ariel Rot. Teaming with three native Spaniards – guitarist Julian Infante, bassist Felipe Lipe, and drummer Manolo Iglesias – Tequila landed a record deal with Sony's Spanish division after establishing themselves as a powerful live act, and their debut album, Matricula de Honor, was released in 1978.

On two of the songs included on Tequila, "Tequila" and "The Thumb," Wes Montgomery had an opportunity to jam a bit while backed just by bassist Ron Carter, drummer Grady Tate and the congas of Ray Barretto. The other six selections utilize a string section arranged by Claus Ogerman but, even with a throwaway version of "What the World Needs Now Is Love," there are memorable renditions of "Bumpin' on Sunset" and "Insensatez" that uplift this album quite a bit beyond the guitarist's later A&M recordings.