Marco Mendoza - Casa Mendoza

Marco Mendoza, is a journeyman bassist that has played with some of the biggest names in the hard rock/heavy metal arena.  Mendoza has been a member of the Ted Nugent (Group), Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy, Lynch Mob and Whitesnake.  Marco has recently release his second solo CD entitled Casa Mendoza.  On the surface, you would think that this would be a straight up rock release, especially considering that bands that Marco has played in over the years, but to the contrary this CD much, much more.  Casa Mendoza showcases Mendoza and his band exploring several different genres of music, like jazz/fusion, funk, Latin, world and rock.  This CD gives you a tastes of several styles of music, while still rocking you.

Casa Mendoza is a mix of original music and covers.  The first track on the CD is a cover of the Stevie Wonder track Living for the City.  This track is funky, as you would expect, and rocks.  The highlight on this track as well as with most of the CD is guitarist Rafael Moreira.  Moreira has a great tone and his style is flashy which adds to all of the tracks on this CD.  The musicianship on this CD is top notch.  the only downfall would be the vocals of Medoza.  He's okay as a vocalist, but a much better bassist.  Many of the vocals are styled like James Brown.  His best vocal is probably on the track Kingdom of Paradise, to where he emulates Glen Hughes.  Other than that the vocals are just average. 

Out of all of the covers, my favorite is Suzie Q.  The band has totally rearranged the tune and made it their own.  It is unrecognizable until the chorus, and that is not a bad thing.  They have slowed it down and given it a Latin type vibe.  All in all not a bad CD, but not a great one either.  This one might get better with more spins, due to all of the variety.  Who knows?

 

Bottom Line: Mendoza showing that he is more than a one trick pony.  A CD full of variety, played to perfection.  Had they brought in some guest vocalist, this one might have been more solid.

Standout Tracks: Suzie Q, Kingdom of Paradise, Betty Joe and Get Ready.

-Ragman is bringing out the funk.