"Barbacoa Blues"
John Summerfield | Houston, Texas USA | 08/14/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I sought out this album after hearing the title song. The album "Barbacoa Blues" principally features the vocals and guitar of Randy Garibay, along with a band that includes skillful keyboard, drums, brass, Saxophone, etc. The album includes an Hispanic twist on traditional blues and rock music. Randy's vocals and guitar are great. I must admit that I am surprised that this is a regional singer as the music is definitely national with a Spanish emphasis that may be pleasing to the Latino and traditional Blues fans."Chicano Blues Man" is more or less typical blues."Barbacoa Blues" is a classical blues tale based upon the local San Antonio barrio search for barbacoa, a Mexican weekend specialty breakfast taco and Big Red, a traditional red soft drink beverage. This is a humorous tune that is especially interesting due to my recognition of the geographical landmarks included in this tune. As far as I am aware, "Barbacoa Blues" was the first Randy Garibay tune that I heard on a jukebox and made me search for the CD. I first heard the tune in a barrio cantina where "blues" is not typically among the songs of choice. Trust me when I say that I found this to be an especially novel number."Too Close to the Border" is an upbeat blues melody with a Tex-Mex theme while noting that he does not do "Tejano"! "What did you Think" is a mellow country-style ballad that is very pleasing. "What Did You Think" features a 50's rock-a-billy sound. "I Can't Stop Loving You" is an upbeat 50's ish blues tune. Viuda Negra is a late 70's or 80's ish blues tune with lot's of pleasing guitar. "Two Steps from the Blues" is a slower ballad featuring the vocals of John Brown. "El Chupacabra" is a nice salsa-like Latino number. "Tell Me Why" is a 50's or early `60's-like soft rock broken-hearted love number. "Curandera" is very 80's blues with a sort of Spanish "Stevie-Ray-Vaughn" sound.When I found the CD Barbacoa Blues, I found another Randy Gariby CD titled "Chicano Blues Man" and felt that I would likely miss something if I did not buy both. I think that you will enjoy "Barbacoa Blues" and this artist, Tandy Gariby for quite some time.John Summerfield, Houston, Texas"
Randy Garibay, San Antonio Best Westside BluesSound
David Johnson | San Antonio, Texas | 03/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a Randy Garibay fan I feel I must say that everything I have heard by Randy is nothing short of sensational! From his Randy & the Westside Sound cassette songs such as "Brown Eyed Girl", "Goodbye Love", "Let Them Talk", "Honkey Tonk Saloon" as well as his take on "Bartender and "Today I Heard a Song", this is when I really got into Randys music. From his early start in the 50's with the Pharoahs and his time with the Dell Kings and his time he spend with his friend Doug Sahm another great blues man also from San Antonio. There's more music by Randy that will never be heard by no one else except the few lucky ones that own some of his first songs recorded and possessing that music such as myself. I can hear his music all the time: it's that good! Randy encompasses all that is the Westside Sound of San Antonio!!"
It Is A Real Tribute
Vato de la calle Green | Las Colonias de San Antonio, Tejas | 09/15/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Randy is incredible. Being a native from San Antonio and growing up in the same barrio makes me proud to be a Chicano from San Anto! I, like so many, can associate to the music and lyrics. Man...I could go for a pound of barbacoa con tortillas de maiz con chilito - and a ice cold 'Big Red'. Those from the barrio might still remember Maya's Molina. Randy keeps the memories alive...Atta boy chu chu boy, no que no!
F. Medina"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1