Many years ago, Antonio Perez of MAS Records gave us this unreleased recording of a concert at the Normandie Casino in Gardena, CA. The concert, which was recorded around 2002, included a performance by Bobby Espinosa’s El Chicano. The band members were Geree Gonzalez – Vocalist; Steve Salas – Special Guest Vocalist; George Lopez – Bass Guitar; Bruce Conte – Special Guest Lead Guitar; Sid Samirez – Rhythm Guitar; Tony Rosa – Congas; and Lance Lee – Drums. Bobby Espinosa played the Hammond B-3 Organ and made all the band announcements.
The Normandie Casino started as The Western Card Club in 1947 and in 2016, closed its doors forever. It was located at 1045 W. Rosecrans Ave., Gardena, CA.
The songs that we have selected for this presentation are The Introduction, Tocayo, Mijita, Brown Eyed Girl, Sabor a Mi, Tell Her She’s Lovely, Viva Tirado, and One More Night. On this performance of El Chicano’s signature song “Viva Tirado”, Bobby Espinosa’s musicianship shines and it is something to experience.
Steve Salas gives us a great rendition of “Brown Eyed Girl”. Bruce Conte sounds so fine with his lead guitar solo on “One More Night”. Another highlight of this recorded concert is the lovely voice of Geree on “Mijita”, written by Mark Guerrero, and “Sabor a Mi”.
The band sounded great!
El Chicano Playlist
