Los Cenzontles Raza de Oro (4*)
While I was unaware of this outfit prior to their involvement with the Chieftains on San Patricio, Los Cenzontles (The Mockingbirds) have been around for a while and are worth a look at regardless of the presence of guests like Ry Cooder, Los Lobos' David Hidalgo and Taj Mahal. As a development from a project to develop interest in traditional Mexican music and dance, you'd expect that there'd be a substantial degree of authenticity, and that's the way it sounds to these (admittedly non-expert) ears. Raza de Oro won't be the last album I'll be buying. Want something musical to go with your tacos? Look no further. Go for a little Tempranillo to wash it all down.