Said & Done

The world's number one trad conjunto accordionist, Flaco Jimenez, delivers another gold standard of hardcore conjunto stomps and country-tinged polkas. New singer Nunie Rubio delivers the right mix of pride and pain in the rousing "Siempre Quiero Estar Contigo" and the heartbreak bolero "Recuerda." All throughout Jimenez is at the top of his game, pulling new moods and textures out of his accordion with awesome facility. The lively "Soulmates" is a textbook sample on melding rockabilly spirit with old-world conjunto--piping hot accordion runs over thumping percussion funky enough to raise the dead. Jimenez throws in perky cumbias ("Te Amare") and rockabilly-country fusion ("Said and Done") for good measure. Perfect border-town party music. --Ramiro Burr