Latin Brothers

Though they came out of the same East L.A. scene as Los Lobos and El Chicano, the Delgado Brothers – frontman Joe, bassist Bob, and drummer Steve with keyboard player Billy Steinway – forsake Hispanic inspiration for the most part, relying instead on blues/R&B and sweet vocal harmonies. Signed to the Hightone label, the group worked with producers Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker (Robert Cray), and released The Delgado Brothers in 1987. After laying low in the first part of the '90s, the Delgado Brothers re-formed at the urging of John "Juke" Logan. Percussionist Ray Solis was added to round out their Latin beat and R&B mix. "Let's Get Back" on the Mocombo label brought the Delgados back to the fold, where they continue to play up and down the West Coast.

The Delgado Brothers have been considered LA's "Best Kept Secret", but they are over that. When major artists such as John Mayall have covered your songs, and your latin flavored music has been placed in movie soundtracks, secret no more. Delgado Brothers: A Brother's Dream (Bell Asher 10724) This is, to my knowledge, the third Delgado Brothers album and given the outstanding brilliance of their last release, Let's Get Back (on Mocombo Records) they certainly have established a reputation for world class musical genius. But, even more, The Delgado are one of the very few roots-rock-influenced bands who have profound concepts to go with the musical abilities they possess. Too many virtuosos have command of their instruments but very little to say that's meaningful and in today's scary, violence-promoting environment we desperately needs acts such as The Delgado's to bring some sanity to the airwaves.