Several months back I made a special trip to Casa Borrega to hear Los Tremolo Kings perform for the first time. The band, led by local guitar celebrity Phil the Tremolo King, features Doug Garrison and Rene Coman—a tight rhythm section seemingly versed in all styles including their longtime role holding down the groove in the Iguanas.

Though they weren’t recording on this particular gig, the group now has an album out, which captures them playing cumbias and other Latin sounds live at Casa Borrega. Sadly, the unique restaurant that helped jumpstart the scene on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in Central City was recently sold. But this music will certainly keep its memory alive.

The record opens with a tune familiar to almost everyone. Known simply as “James Bond Theme,” the cut kicks off with a deep bass note from Coman followed by a hint of organ, a sweet cymbal roll, and then Garrison’s syncopated rim shots join the fun. By the time Phil’s echoing guitar enters, the band is grooving. All of the songs on this brief collection demonstrate musical mastery and the commitment needed for a trio to really work.

On the third cut, Julio Jaramillo’s “Senderito de Amor,” New Orleans’ own Latin diva Margie Perez joins the band on vocals. She sings with Phil, but unfortunately this live recording doesn’t do justice to the sound they create together. I can’t wait to hear them in the studio together.

Tremolo is musical term defined as “trembling,” but in the hands of Phil, I would suggest it’s less about nervous energy or shaking and more about psychedelic phrasing with a touch of dub style. He uses the effect on chords as well as on inventive single note runs. In this band, he has essentially created a new sub-genre by focusing on Latin grooves. It’s stripped down in the best possible way.

Los Tremolo Kings