Alright, let’s dive into this groovy little slice of jazz history—My San Antonio Bossa Nova Baby Peligro by Dan Alexander, David "Fathead" Newman, and Jimmie Lee Robinson. Released way back in '63 on the Kono Sonic 60 label, this album feels like stumbling across a dusty vinyl at a thrift shop that just hits different. It’s not perfect, but man, it’s got soul.
First off, the title track, "My San Antonio Bossa Nova Baby," is an absolute earworm. I mean, how can you not get hooked? The rhythm has this laid-back sway to it, like you’re sipping lemonade on a porch somewhere while life happens around you. Fathead’s saxophone work here is smooth as butter—no over-the-top theatrics, just pure vibe. And then there’s the bassline from Jimmie Lee Robinson, steady and funky enough to make your head nod without even realizing it. Honestly, after listening, I found myself humming bits of it all day. Like, dang, this tune sticks to ya!
Then there’s "Peligro." Whoa, talk about mood lighting for your ears. This one switches gears completely—it’s darker, grittier, almost cinematic. You could imagine some noir film playing in black-and-white during this track. The interplay between the instruments feels tense yet totally intentional, like they’re telling a story without words. By the time the horns kick in, you’ve forgotten where you are. Is it still 2023? Or did I somehow time-travel back to a smoky club in '60s Chicago? Either way, it’s good stuff.
What makes this album stand out isn’t perfection—it’s personality. These guys weren’t chasing trends; they were just doing their thing. Sure, the production might sound a bit lo-fi compared to today’s slick standards, but that rawness gives it charm. Jazz purists will appreciate the improvisation, and casual listeners might dig its chill-out factor.
Here’s the kicker though: why isn’t this album more talked about? Seriously, it feels like one of those hidden gems collectors brag about finding. Maybe it’s because Kono Sonic 60 wasn’t exactly a big-name label, or maybe people were too busy freaking out over The Beatles (no shade, Fab Four). Whatever the reason, My San Antonio Bossa Nova Baby Peligro deserves another listen—or maybe its first real spotlight.
So yeah, give it a spin if you stumble upon it. Just don’t blame me if you start craving Tex-Mex food halfway through.
