David Torres (Dave). Dave and I go back many years, as music students at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, Ca.but, as things often happen somehow we lost track of each other soon after graduation. David went on to form the popular rock group "Tierra", one of the best groups to come out of East Los Angeles. I went on to perform in my own rock group called "The Acostics". We performing at local clubs, dances, and concert venues. The group went on to win the 1968 National "Battle of the Bands" held at the annual Teenage Fair, located at the Hollywood Palladium. The group eventually going on to tour Japan in 1971, the Acostics were also from East Los Angeles with all its members from Garfield High School. The group was managed by Mr. Pat Sanchez who was my science teacher at Griffith Jr. High School, also located in East LA. Years, and decades passed then, one day I heard Dave Torres was now a member of the Grammy Award Winning latin jazz group called "Poncho Sanchez", and by chance after 30 years Dave and I meet again, at one of their great live performances. We spoke again, about old times and old friends and what happened to so and so, and what happened to us since our high school days. After all those many years, I asked Dave if he would consider or would be interested in working with me on this project with Lalo Guerrero that I had scheduled later that year, without missing a beat Dave answered, “Yeah sure, when, where, he’d love to do it”. Dave your talent has only grown to keep pace with your generous heart. It was great fun working with you. Thank you . . .

“As a very young child one hot summer day, I remember following my mother as she hurried through the house into the backyard, she carried her basket full of wet cloths. Asking her in mid stride, ‘Mama, que soy yo?’ (Mama, what am I?) Not quite sure why, or what I was wanting to know, she lowered her basket to the ground then, slowly drying her hands on her damp apron, kneeling down, she looked me in the eye and said, ‘Mijo, tu eres puro Mexicano.’ (Son, you’re all Mexican). She smiled proudly, got up, then walked away. I didn’t quite understand why, what she had said made me feel so proud, but it did. I must have felt ten feet tall that day. That’s the way Lalo makes me feel with his music; proud to be what I am and eager to share who I am with others. This album contains music that will, I think make every latino proud. Lalo has, throughout six decades, written and performed, and recorded music about his people, and along the way he has composed a musical history of our people, for future generations to hear and learn of our struggles. Some are sprinkled with humor, some are pure protest, and some are just simply beautiful, but they all come from the heart, so the message is never lost. They have the heart beat and raw feelings that are latino. Now, it’s time for all to hear the man behind all this great music. So enjoy as we listen to the music, lets dance to set your spirit free. Let's share the music with your kids, so they too will know who and what Lalo Guerrero music is all about. Remember, we all come from different points on this beautiful and complex planet, we come in many different colors, shapes and sizes, but deep inside we all share a common bond as latinos, and we share the same sabor in our soul, and in our music, so sit back, get up and dance, listen and enjoy this great music by this master legendary musician Lalo Guerrero” - Benjamin Esparza

MOCTEZUMA ESPARZA - 5/14/99
Lalo Guerrero, the Father of Chicano Music, has been a hero of mine since the early 1950’s. During that time anyone, who was anyone went to Lalo’s nightclub locate on Brookly Ave in East Los Angeles. As a boy, my father took me many times to Lalo’s place when he wanted to give me a special treat. To hear his music today is just as enjoyable. It brings back many boyhood memories of my dad within me.

JIMMY SMITS - 5/7/99
Lalo Guerrero’s life, and his music redefines what it is to be an American.

CHEECH MARIN - 5/13/99
Lalo Guerrero is the inventor of Chicano music and I’m his grateful, spiritual and musical godchild.

LIZ TORRES - 5/5/99
He’s my marvelously kind and generous hero. A genuine musical legend.

LINDA RONSTADT
Lalo is the first great Chicano musical artist and the historian and social conscience of that community.

FLACO JIMENEZ - 4/28/99
If it weren’t for Lalo Guerrero, there would be no humor in the world of music today!

GEORGE LOPEZ - 5/7/99
Lalo is the original Latino political satirist. His genius is inspiring.

JUSTO ALMARIO - 5/10/99
From the beginning, his music has been used to convey the emotions of love, joy and peace, not only to entertain, but to provoke the listeners’ consciousness to acts of goodness. I have been blessed to have been able to experience these emotions during the production of these heartfelt songs featured in this collection. Join me as we listen in celebrating the music and legacy of Lalo Guerrero.

LALO GUERRERO - 5/22/99
I want to give my sincere thanks to all the wonderful musicians in the band for their outstanding performances on this CD and a great big thank you for the magnificent arrangements by Justo Almario, Mark Jones and David Torres. I also want to express my appreciation to the best producer that I have worked with in a very long time. “Vamos a Bailar - Otra Vez!”, was Benjamin's brain child, we have become great friends working this project. I look forward to work together again on our new project. Thank you for the opportunity of working together, gracias.