The Blazers

The Blazers, who play a guitar-heavy blend of blues, surf-rock, country, rocked-up norteņo, cumbia, and other Mexican styles, are often compared with their East Los Angeles counterparts, Los Lobos. Like Los Lobos, the Gourds, or Doug Sahm's Texas Tornados, the Blazers perform a rousing, danceable mix of North American musical styles. The group is driven by two guitarist-singers, Manuel Gonzales and Ruben Guaderamma, who have been playing together since high school, rocking the beer joints of East L.A. Their fiery guitar playing and bluesy, soulful singing are given a strong, driving beat by bassist Lee Stuart and drummer Raul Medrano. The Blazers' infectious Ameri-Mex rock grooves and dual guitar action have prompted comparisons with Santana, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, and the Allman Brothers. Their 1994 debut album, Short Fuse, was hailed as one of the best rock records of the year by many critics. Already, the group has made several overseas tours and been well-received by roots-starved European audiences. The band's albums also include East Side Soul (1995), Just for You (1997), and Puro Blazers (2000). All of them should find favor with any fan of hard-driving blues-rock and rockabilly. ~ Richard Skelly, All Music Guide