Review: ‘La Santa Cecilia’ EP by La Santa Cecilia

Named after the Patron Saint of Musicians, it is only fit that La Santa Cecilia is a musical blessing. Elements of Norteño accordion, Mexican Folklorico, and even conjunto all come together to form the Los Angeles based sextet. If you listen carefully to their self-titled EP, you will hear more subtle elements of Latin music such as Bolero and Cumbia.  Fronted by the one they call “La Marisoul”, La Santa Cecilia offers traditional sonidos for your parents and grandparents, while having enough soul for all of us to appreciate.

La Marisoul reminds me of a younger Linda Ronstandt with a hint of Sandra Velasquez of Pistolera. Her voice is strong but not overpowering, and best when en Espanol. The band from La Santa Cecilia is also very talented. On the EP they display musical capabilities to play just about any style, including Latin Jazz on “Jack” or Brazilian Samba on “Samba CA”. Both of which are excellent tracks. Accordion lovers will enjoy my favorite track on the EP, “Chicle”. After all, everyone needs a little conjunto in their life.

There’s not much more to say at this point, except for the La Santa Cecilia EP belongs in your collection in between your Flaco Jimenez and your Lila Downs albums. Although it seems to go by too quickly, the self titled EP from La Santa Cecilia is a good preview of what should be a solid album to come in the near future. I’m sure of it.