“Ahora Yo Voy” is an all-Spanish tune that has Fender and the boys in rockin’ tribute to the Sir Douglas Quintet. In a way, the tune is a true tribute to the missing founding members and a great choice to include on the disc. “Another Shot Of Ambition” is a song Fender has cut on a previous album but Shawn had the “old guys” spin it Tornados' style and gave it new life. The sensual salsa track “Llevame,” written by guitarist Louie Ortega is Fender’s final performance on the album and he nails it with his passionate vocals.
Augie Meyers lends a hand with his fine writing turning in the hard rocking tunes “My Sugar Blue,” “Velma From Selma,” and the title track “Esta Bueno.” Augie’s lighthearted comic gift shines through on the latter two. The kicker on “Velma” is how Augie can sing about getting his ass kicked by his girlfriend’s father in perfect harmony and timing. Like a true Mexican corrido, he can sing of tragedy and violence and make it seem a fun, rockin’ good time. “Esta Bueno” is three and a half minutes of laugher at the pain of Augie’s eating too many powerful jalapenos that come back to get him in the “end.”
Flaco Jimenez not only provides the kick-ass accordion throughout Esta Bueno! but also turns in some fine vocals to boot. Taking leads on Doug’s “Chicano” which the two had originally recorded back in 1973. Flaco’s broken English is perfect as he sings the verses in both English and Spanish. Flaco’s second turn at the mic is the wonderful duet with Augie, “In Heaven There Is No Beer,” which finds Flaco tearing the house down with that accordion of his.
For forty solid minutes, Esta Bueno! brims with all the life and love that the Texas Tornados bring to anything they play. The vocals from our missing friends, the humor from a prolific pen, and the energy from the accordion make this a perfect fit into the Texas Tornados' catalog. Each original member’s style shines bright throughout the CD. Shawn Sahm has done a wonderful job taking the production reigns and has turned out an album that would have made his dad and Freddy Fender proud. Fans of the Texas Tornados won’t be let down at all by this one.
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