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CD Review
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rootsworld.com, CD Review >>
Zemog El Gallo Bueno go for an eccentric,
off-center sound based on Latin grooves but
occasionally touching down elsewhere in the
world. Since their last album they've relocated
from Boston to New York City, where their
slightly oddball approach no doubt serves them
well. Cama de la Conga sounds unrefined and
distinctly unpolished at times, but that's the
beauty of it. The title translates as "Bed of the
Conga" and percussion does indeed play a central
role in laying out the Puerto Rican and
Cuban-based rhythms. Beyond that there's horns
capable of playing in impossibly tight unison or
flying off the handle completely, guitar riffs
that ring with rock, jazz, Latin and African
accents, spacy effects, abrupt sonic shifts,
vocals with attitude both genuine and feigned and
songs that snare you with a mix of musical
know-how and non-conformity. Lead
vocalist/composer/multi-instrumentalist Abraham
Gomez-Delgado is clearly influenced equally by
the energy of rock and the richness of Latin
music. He and his band are out to jam hard in
addition to shaking things up just enough to
stand out from the pack. This album certainly
won't put you off if you're a fan of straight-up
Latin roots, but a willingness to go a few steps
beyond will reveal its pleasures all the more
resoundingly. If it's both fire and fun you seek,
you'll find more than enough of each. - Tom Orr 05/10/06
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