NECESITO DUENA - SERGIO VEGA
Vega is a beloved veteran of the traditional brass-heavy banda of Mexico’s Sinaloa state. But on his newest album, he’s at his best when he departs from tight polka-influenced arrangements for a more relaxed, improvisational style. First single “Necesito Duena” (I Need an Owner) features the memorable opening line “Hello, my name is ’slave,’ and my surname is ‘at your feet,”‘ but otherwise sticks to a classic hook reminiscent of Joan Sebastian’s summer hit “Mas Alla del Sol.” Vega’s lilting voice is more naturally matched to languid numbers like “Quisiera Gritar.” One especially hopes regional Mexican radio will take to the inventive yet catchy “Mentiras,” which starts with slow horse-clopping percussion under a playful Vega vocal, then subtly builds into a salsa-influenced melody with a piercing trumpet solo. The combination is a surprising treat well worth the creative risk. Billboard
