Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox

Conjuntazzo (Guzman Fox Records)

In crafting their new Conjuntazzo, local husband/wife team Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox didn’t just add their expert touch to conjunto. They tied their cultural legacy to it. In doing so, they’ve created a dazzling work that doesn’t redefine Mexican country as much as give it fresh polish. It’s to be expected from a couple whose remarkable curriculum vitae includes Bonnie Raitt and Grammy-winning work with Los Super Seven. By using a comfortable combination of classics associated with the likes of beloved San Antonio accordion king Esteban Jordan (“El Gancho”) and the elegant Lydia Mendoza (“Puñalada”) plus originals (“Amorcito de Mi Vida,” “Rosa Negra,” “Polka Azul”), the sound is warm, comforting, and passionate. Like previous albums Latinology and Polkas, Gritos y Acordeónes, front and center here is Guzman’s spectacular squeezebox work and Fox’s sultry vocals. When their voices intertwine on the simple two-step of Tex-Mex folk favorite “Alegre Me Ando Paseando,” it’s a bit of heaven from the heart of Tejas.

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This article appears in October 23 • 2009.

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