Johnson plays accordion, but a more effective instrument is his voice, powerful and evocative. Strong songs and exceptional production mark this album by the best female ranchera singer in the United States. Beyond power and control, Rojas also delivers the emotions that balance yearning with self-respect, ambition with surrender. He's still the best all-star player with the most potential, and he's getting better at crafting melodic polkas and pop cumbias. Top masters such as Mingo Saldivar, Valerio Longoria, Tony de la Rosa, Joe Ramos, Ruben Vela and Amadeo Flores lay down hard-core conjunto blues dripping with emotional power, conviction and understanding.
Serious downside is that it is hard to find.
Ramiro Burr covers the Latin music scene each week. Burr is also the author of The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music , published by Billboard Books.