Tommy Guerrero - Soul Food Taqueria (2LP) [Be With Records]

Format: 2LP + Gatefold.

Track List:
A1 : Intro Lectric Chile Goat (0:56)
A2 : Abierto (3:59)
A3 : Organism (4:07)
A4 : Thank You MK (3:50)

B1 : Tatanka (4:09)
B2 : Interlude Train Of Thought (1:20)
B3 : It Gets Heavy (3:23)
B4 : Thin Brown Layer (4:39)

C1 : Interlude So Many Years Ago (0:45)
C2 : Terra Unfirma (4:05)
C3 : Gettin It Together (3:22)
C4 : Another Brother Gone (2:28)
C5 : Broken Blood (3:47)

D1 : Interlude And The Day Goes By (1:28)
D2 : Lost Unfound (3:32)
D3 : The Color Of Life (3:57)
D4 : Falling Awake (3:56)

It’s rare for a sound to be entirely an artist's own. While undeniably a blend of impeccable influences—from blues to folk, Latin rhythms, dusty funk, soul, and hip-hop—one cannot hear a Tommy Guerrero track without instantly recognizing it as his, and his alone.

The cult San Francisco skateboarder is globally recognized as an original member of the legendary “Bones Brigade” team. As an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, his laid-back soul is adored by all who have basked in its serene glow.

There's something elemental about this music that truly stirs the soul. Astonishingly beautiful and instantly addictive, it's a kind of funk-driven, melody-guided, groove-based magic. There’s a serenity and heart to his playing that radiates warmth and splendor, as if made for endless sunsets. His albums released on Mo Wax at the turn of the century have been treasured since their release, and now we have the honor of reintroducing two of his most important LPs.

The original pressings were quietly pressed on a single vinyl disc, so this year we've worked closely with Tommy to bring you these new, limited editions. They have been carefully remastered, pressed with powerful sound on heavy-weight double vinyl, and housed in luxurious gatefold sleeves.

Soul Food Taqueria continued Guerrero’s soulful, guitar-driven journey but represented a step forward through more polished production and greater instrumental complexity. Denied the promotion it deserved upon release, it flew under the radar. It is now the most sought-after record in his wonderful catalog.

Guerrero's atmospheric touch and subtle guitar create lush, shimmering pieces of music. Within his spacious compositions, uniquely arranged instruments blossom together to create a calming soundtrack for peaceful and fulfilling days.

As always, the diversity he exhibits is captivating. From bossa nova, samba, and cumbia rhythms to subtle folk, funk, and soul grooves, this is another exotic set of mellow gold, perfectly represented by ESPO's memorable cover art. Moreover, the hybridity of the title reflects the fascinating mix of stylistic flavors on offer, reminding us that, however difficult it may be to categorize Guerrero’s special style, it is always a pleasure to enjoy something so creative and adventurous.

Bass-heavy dub instrumentals give way to melancholic folk-soul: listen to “It Gets Heavy,” featuring Gresham Taylor’s mournful vocals, while “Thank You MK” is a delicate ode to the tropics, with ethereal instrumentation, bright bass, and warm jazz guitars. The second half, in particular, contains several stunning ambient pieces: “Lost Unfound,” “Another Brother Gone,” and “Broken Blood” are built on minimalist, relaxed grooves, with detailed guitar orchestrations that wouldn't sound out of place on Jonny Nash's latest release.

Guerrero closes this impeccable set with a moment of true beauty. Sober and elegant, “Falling Awake” is a simple piece with meditative guitar melodies over melancholic piano arrangements. It provides a peaceful and perfect close to the album. Seductively good, it reminds us how great simplicity can sound.