Fantasize

A master of melding genres ranging from Texas blues to Cajun to soul to Tejano, it takes little time for Ponty Bone to get into his realm on the infectious "Baby U Got It (Spin the Top)." Mixing accordion with saxophone, the song instantly hits a nerve with the listener. With a large ensemble supporting each song, the album maintains a level of cohesiveness, although a few songs break little new sonic ground, particularly "Ain't Got No Sweet Thing." There's also a hint of old rock & roll in the delivery on "Me, Myself & I," resembling Fats Domino in his heyday. What is especially intriguing is how two of the three instrumentals should be the catalyst for a more upbeat feeling bordering on rowdiness. But with the exception of "Clifton's Boogie," most tend to stagger along at a very leisurely pace. A reggae beat is also added in the title track, having the desired effect and a perfect spot in the song order. On the album's liner notes, Flaco Jimenez describes the music as "soul accordion," which seems a very fitting description. Although lacking a bit of jump, the album still jives.