If it’s not completely evident yet, I have a love affair with chicano soul. Much like rock and roll and other pop genres, it’s a cross-bred culture–a bastard of interlacing geographies and folkloric traditions. In this case, it’s the way in which black R&B beat and the Mexican conjunto combo created its own distinct musical identity and subsequent popularity amongst youth culture that makes it a uniquely American expression. And for today’s post, I thought I’d feature some JB-styled popcorn R&B sounds from the luscious chicano musical community of west San Antonio (the “Westside Sound”); the southern counterpart to East L.A.’s vibrant chicano music community of the 50s and 60s. And much like the East L.A scene and its lasting effect on future musical trends, west San Antonio had an enormous cultural impact on regional music, from tejano/conjunto and cumbia-pop crossover to rock en español and the later popular norteño invasion in Texas music.
As featured before on I’m Shakin’ (and surely will be again), Mr. G Records was operated by the unofficial musical ambassador of west San Antonio, Mr. Manuel “Manny” Guerra (one of several label outfits in his career). Manny recorded a multitude of 7″ singles for various chicano combos on his Mr. G outfit, but none so diverse and multi-dimensional as today’s featured Dimas, and his cover of The Staple Singers’ “Why (Am I Treated So Bad)”.
As noted, it’s hard to deny the track’s underlying James Brown orchestral influence–from the tight, punchy, in-the-pocket drums to the wailing sax solo and deep horn stabs–it’s certainly a nod to the Godfather of Soul’s masterful pop compositional styling. Originally a slower, gospel-fried R&B vocal track by The Staple Singers, a few instrumental popcorn and hammond versions with faster tempos were since recorded, giving it a hipper 60s dance swing (I highly recommend F16C’s Bobby Powell post on that, here) . In fact, James Brown recorded his own instrumental version of Why Am I Treated So Bad in his funk-driven late 60s career, featured on Brown’s The Popcorn LP. In comparison, I’d say that Dimas’ version is of closer resemblance to James’ version than the original, both rhythmically and arrangement wise.
Dimas (who also recorded under Dimas III and Dimas Garza) cut his performance teeth playing with San Antonio’s legendary chicano doo-wop and rolo crooners, The Royal Jesters, in the mid 50s, and continued his tenure with the popular group until the late 60s, while simultaneously recording his own material on various chicano labels in town. Unfortunately, Dimas passed on a couple of years ago, but his records and popularity can still be felt in San Antonio and the wider Tejano music community. Though this song doesn’t feature his compelling and unique vocal styling, his band leadership is exceptionally tight and on point. I’d say it gives the JBs a run for their money.
LISTEN: Dimas- Why Am I Treated So Bad
