The Mockingbirds (Los Cenzontles) dig deep into Latino traditions to promote dignity, pride and cultural understanding. The group has pioneered revivals of Mexican roots music in California bringing traditions to new generations. The Mockingbirds now create a powerful new hybrid sound –creating a fresh Chicano voice for a new generation.
Fronting the group is the dynamic vocal dueto of Fabiola Trujillo and Lucina Rodriguez and sonero Hugo Arroyo. The Mockingbirds effortlessly mix electric bass and drums with traditional Mexican instruments – jarana, vihuela, requinto, pandero and quijada (jawbone) – creating a powerful contemporary sound infused with the gutsy soul of Mexico’s rural roots music.
Selected press quotes about Songs of Wood & Steel
‘The sonic diversity on this album is truly something to behold. "Songs of Wood & Steel" is a work that all Americans can be proud of, not just those of Mexican descent. On display is a rich, and often overlooked, component to the vast body of contemporary American music. Mexico has been a contributor to the evolution of rock 'n' roll since the early days of Ritchie Valens, a time when Mexican artists had to change their names and shun their culture to broaden their appeal. Fortunately, those days have passed and everyone can not only appreciate music like this, but also hear why it belongs amongst other great music that calls America home.’ Noah Small – iBerkshires
‘a flavorful, festive blend of musical worlds.’ (Wild Applause) Joel Selvin, SF Chronicle
‘a wonderful new collaboration with … traditionally minded Mexican-American folk music spiked with Lobos' adventurous brand of modern rock.’ Mikael Wood, LA Weekly
‘…an album that seamlessly incorporates rock and blues elements into traditional Mexican forms, smacking of neither academia nor compromise. Beautiful stuff.
Dan Forte, Vintage Guitar
‘… a rich blend of folk music and searing blues guitar. Occasional detours into imporvisational jam-band fare exhibit the group’s ability to deliver the expected and the unexpected with equal grace.’ Nate Seltenrich, East Bay Express
‘David Hidalgo has been finding the common thread between Buddy Holly and traditional Mexican music since the early days of Los Lobos, and he demonstrates that knack again on this new collaboration.’ Jim Abbott, Orlando Sentinel Pop Music Critic
‘One of the most interesting albums of the year… bringing the term ‘fusion’ to new heights.’ Jesus ‘El Pelos’ Olvera, Al Borde
‘Like East LA lions Los Lobos, Los Cenzontles, aka the Mockingbirds, is a community-supported (and supporting) band that remains deeply bonded to folk roots while incorporating other styles and genres - rock, blues, jazz, roadhouse boogie -into its music. The good news for Los Cenzontles is that they’re living up to the expectations created by Hidalgo’s and (Linda) Ronstadt’s involvement.’ Pasadena Weekly
