Record Review

'Austin Music Mezcla 2009': A Latino Music Sampler

The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau's Austin Music Mezcla 2008 was a tough act to follow, but the 2009 sampler boasts an exuberant, vibrant lineup. In its continuing efforts to foster development among Latino musicians, the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau collects 15 tracks that highlight not only individual acts such as Alejandro Escovedo, Frank Gomez, and A.J. Castillo but badass bands including Conjunto Aztlan, Terremoto, the legendary Tortilla Factory, and the hot, hot Los Bad Apples. Even more exciting are collaborative efforts from Michael Ramos with Brian Ramos; Gomez with "El Gato Negro," Ruben Ramos; Myrna Cabello and Haydn Vitera; and finally Austin's reigning Latinas, Patricia Vonne with Rosie Flores. Random picks: the Sweethearts' divine power-pop ("Slipping Away"), Bocastria's alluring Latin pop-rock ("Encanto"), and Brownout's funky bottom ("Con el Brownout No Se Juega"). Arriba!