The late Freddy Fender is one of the few artists who despite having teetered on the brink of cabaret for years still retains enough credibility for this DVD to be of considerable interest to Rockabilly, Blues, Country and of course Latino fans. For Freddy was the first Chicano Country star and well respected in the rockabilly, R&B and Tex Mex fields.

This swan song concert covers his groundbreaking career. And although his best days are behind him he still turns in a fine performance of the 1953 Webster/Frain penned Doris Day hit 'Secret Love'.

And as if to give you a clue as to the age range of his sold out audience at the Riverside Casino in Nevada, there is startling enthusiastic applause when he announced a rendition of his 1955 song 'Holy One'; which at the time sold quarter of a million copies on a small label.

Part of the reason for Fender's longevity is his easy manner and humorous story telling approach and the fact that aside from his that his hits such as the autobiographical 'Wasted Days and Wasted Nights' and 'Before the Last Teardrop Falls' (both included here) he enjoyed belated success on the Tex Mex scene with the Texas Tornadoes. Freddy's version of 'Vaya Con Dios' turns out to be the concert highlight. Sadly Freddy died this year, adding an unexpected poignancy to a laid back performance by a colourful raconteur and engaging performer.

***

Review by Pete Feenstra

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly