If you missed out on the Tex-Mex confection that was 'Kiko' by Los Lobos (and, judging by the number of copies of this CD that keep appearing in bargain bins, it was a lot of people) then don't make the same mistake with this new and similar offering from the Mavericks.

After a years break, the boys are back with an eclectic album that touches on every musical style and then fuses them all into a seamless and exuberant whole. Described as "Phil Spector meets Herb Alpert", 'Trampoline' features the unmistakable vocals of frontman Raul Malo especially on the first single 'To Be With You'. Although recorded live in the studio, the use of a wide assortment of instruments, ranging from sitars, different types of percussion, soaring string sections and funky Latin horn arrangements, gives this album a wide-screen and exciting presence.

'Save A Prayer' (not the Duran Duran song) is a powerful, gospel revival workout, 'Melbourne Mambo' is a twinkly instrumental and the elegant 'Dream River' turns up on the soundtrack for the new Robert Redford film 'The Horse Whisperer'

The overall feel of this ten-song hour-long party album is one of good times and a band ready and able to tackle any of these songs with energy, skill and excitement. The result is an album that will keep you happy and entertained after many listenings. The (Gypsy) Kings are dead, long live the Mavericks.

Stephen "Sugar" Segerman

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Any thoughts, requests, problems, complaints, praise or interesting and relevant SA music news, please email it immediately to: sugar@cd.co.za