Online: Quetzal expands definitions of Chicano band, love

Does a Chicano band only compose Chicano music with Chicano
musicians?

According to Quetzal Flores, the founder of one of Los
Angeles’ most prominent Chicano bands, the answer is no.

“We’re more than that,” Flores said. “We
can relate to Chicano culture and Chicano culture can relate to us.
When we’re on stage it’s evident that we represent
something much larger than just a nationalist Chicano vision. We
represent something for humanity.”

Although Quetzal is known as a Chicano band, their members and
even the type of music they play come from a synthesis of nations
and styles. Quetzal’s members are represented by a wide range
of ethnicities ranging from Latino, Chicana/o, Brazilian and
Asian. 

Queztal’s music is a blend of Mexican folk styles, Cuban
son and bolero, and a fusion of rock and blues. Cuban son is a
romantic musical style that originated from a mix of Spanish
and African cultures known as “Afro-Cuban” and
is the precursor to salsa.

Their third CD “Worksongs” was released on July 8
and marked the 10-year anniversary of the band. Saxophonist Steve
Berlin, of the popular norteño band Los Lobos, produced
“Worksongs.” Berlin believes Quetzal is not a
separatist band because they speak for the community as a
whole.

The album is a compilation of vibrantly joyful and gently somber
songs. Lead singer and UCLA alumnus Martha Gonzalez explained the
songs as a guiding force of the human spirit, inspired by subjects
of work, love and family.

In a business where artists create an image for the sole purpose
of selling records and making money, Quetzal is a genuine local
band that is true to their goals of creating world music for the
working class. The lyrics for the title song,
“Worksongs,” is a subtle blend of English and Spanish
that introduce listeners into a world where life revolves around
family, work and community struggles.

Most of the songs on the new CD are serene and mellow. After a
long day of classes or work, the Cuban son-inspired “Planta
de los pies (Soles of the feet)” can be a relaxing
distraction. The prominent violin is moving and carries Martha
Gonzalez’s smooth and alluring vocals through the tranquil
song.

The great force of “Alimentate (Feed yourself)” is
characteristic of Quetzal’s awareness through alluring
lyrics. It is a salsa-inspired song reminiscent of Buena Vista
Social Club’s get up and dance feel. The flute and trumpets
come in strong at the end but a little too late for those who just
want to dance and not listen to the politically conscious lyrics.
Vocalist Gabriel vibrantly sings about equality and nourishing the
mind as well as the body.

Quetzal has been on tour with Ziggy Marley, Taj Mahal and Little
Feat and has headlined major concerts in Los Angeles, Cleveland and
other major cities.

But when Quetzal started playing gigs, they also taught music
and art at public schools as part of their
education-through-the-arts philosophy. Martha Gonzalez and Quetzal
Flores also encouraged students to explore the native cultures of
California.

Martha Gonzalez graduated from UCLA in ethnomusicology and
remembers being influenced by the performance classes such as
Afro-Cuban music, drumming and singing.

“Our music (is comprised of) love songs,” Gonzales
said. “But love doesn’t just happen between a man and a
woman, or between a man and a man or a woman and a woman. You could
also broaden it to love for consciousness, love for community, love
for what human beings need all over the world: food, shelter,
living wages.”

Through their self-empowering and cooperative-commitment music,
Quetzal broadens the Chicano horizons of political and social
consciousness to include all the communities who struggle for a
better life.

Quetzal will perform at the annual San Diego Street Scene
music festival Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003. Tickets are $40 presale and
$45 at the door.