Of the three or four commercially released Estrada Brothers recordings only two are still available, "About Time" and "Get Out of My Way". This one, "Two for the Road", is without a doubt Ruben's best.
Ruben is a true artist who is sensitive yet not temperamental. He loves the creative process of the music itself but has no fondness whatsoever for the business end of it. That part he would gladly do without if he could. Unfortunately, that is simply not an option. He has to be a businessman at times whether he wants to be or not. He is at his best and most comfortable when he is behind his instrument in front of a large and enthusiastic audience. When he feels the warmth and affection from an attentive and appreciative crowd, he can truly be inspired to greatness. What he improvises with his mallets on his vibraphone comes directly from his heart and mind. It speaks louder and clearer than anything he or any one of us could ever say with words. It is his way of reciprocating the love and loyalty his following has given him by gathering to hear him in the first place.

Listen or Buy Here

Moments of remembrance, in whatever form they may come; connect us to the truth that we are never separate from love. "Sexy Latin Lounge Returns", the latest cresting wave from Cougar Records, is full of such moments, sound universes that wash over us like the ocean tide. Soon we are swaying on inner currents of surrender and reveling in tender stirrings of ardent devotion. This music is further proof that the classics come to life when Cougar Estrada breathes on them, somehow preserving the integrity and character of the repertoire performed despite his innovative treatment of the music.

Listen to samples

"About Time" appeared on the Rumba Jazz label.
While on vacation in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rico visited with some fellow jazz and Latin radio programmers, and before long, About Time was circulating at Fantasy, where it was heard by John Rogers, Kirk Roberts, and producer Eric Miller.

© Fantasy, Inc. 1999. All Rights Reserved.

Inspired by those artists, the brothers decided to start their own band. When the group first started, Ruben was playing drums and trumpet. Soon, though, he took a cue from Tjader and added vibes to his repertoire, which gave the group a very identifiable sound.

"Our group took another path into Latin jazz," Ruben said. "We're the first group that did West Coast Latin jazz flavored with a vibraphonist. Everyone else has followed our road."

Memories of Cal Tjader is Poncho's tribute to the late, great vibe player. The sample track "I Showed Them" was written by Cal Tjader, also a Ruben Estrada influence. This album was recorded at Group IV Studios, Hollywood, California on March 7 & 8, 1995.

Poncho Sanchez congas & percussion
David Torres piano, musical director
Ramon Banda timbales, drums & percussion
Tony Banda bass
Jose "Papo" Rodriguez bongos & percussion Alex
Henderson trombone
Scott Martin alto & tenor saxophones
Stan Martin trumpet & flugelhorn
Ruben Estrada Vibes!

The most important aspect of any recording is the quality of the music: the height and splendor of its performances. Cancoines Para Deli is far more than a 'tribute' album. It is jammed, start to finish, with playing that brings you back time and again. Ruben and Cougar Estrada are joined by Ruben's brother Henry, on sax and flute, by Ruben Martinez on acoustic bass, and vocalists who add divine nuance. Major record labels should take instruction from the directness of this album's performance and production values.

Read the Complete Tribute Here

This cd is Sold Out, but the songs have been compiled on "Sexy Latin Lounge Returns" see above