This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Los Lonely Boys are a band that puts the roots in roots-rock — and in more ways than one.
This Tex-Mex trio from San Angelo features the three Garza brothers: Guitarist Henry, bassist JoJo and drummer Ringo (yes, that’s his real name), all of whom got their start playing in their dad’s band. Now, however, the siblings are making a name for themselves with a self-titled debut disc that honours all the facets of their cultural and musical heritage. Sometimes, Henry’s slippery, string-bending style and the rhythm section’s funky, in-the-pocket grooves recall the Texas blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Other times, the Garzas dish up spicier Santana workouts, Latino-rock a la Los Lobos or smooth West Texas soul reminiscent of Doug Sahm. Whatever the style, though, the boys deliver it with the near-psychic interplay and natural harmonies you can only get from a family that plays together. Here’s hoping they stay together.
