Cesar Rosas, Soul Disguise (Rykodisc) 9-
Los Lobos guitarist/singer Cesar Rosas has gone in the opposite direction, leaving behind Mitch Froom's ornate production of Los Lobos' Colossal Head for a more traditional approach. With half the album co-written with Asleep At The Wheel's Leroy Peterson, his forays into blues, Tex Mex and New Orleans soul are pleasant, but lack the bite of his band. And he certainly lacks the deranged "vou-dou" of Dr. John, who's classic "Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya" he liberally quotes. Like the similar tradition-rooted Iguanas, you're better off saving your money and seeing them in your favorite bar when they pass through town.
