Legendary Chicano vocalist Little Willie G, whose fantastic musical odyssey began in the early 60s, has a brand new CD out on Hightone Records, produced by David Hidalgo of Los Lobos.  It’s entitled “Make Up for the Lost Time.”  He does exactly that on this soulful collection of r&b, jazz-tinged and gospel-flavored songs that show his vocal abilities have continued to evolve.  The musicians are top of the line, including David Hidalgo and Conrad Lozano of Los Lobos, Kid Ramos and Rev. Charles Williams.  The arrangements are excellent, done by Willie’s former Midniter bandmate, Romeo Prado, David Hidalgo and others, often in collaboration with Willie himself.

     Little Willie G, along with Little Ray Jimenez, were the brightest singing stars in East L.A.’s golden age of rock & roll, the 1960s.  At a time when several other Eastside bands enjoyed national hit records, Little Willie G and his band, Thee Midniters, always managed to be the headliners everywhere they performed.  They had the sound, image, showmanship, and charisma to do so.  Their musical style was a mix of r&b, ballads and British invasion music.  Little Willie G & Thee Midniters made several albums and many singles that were very popular, particularly in Southern California.  Their version of “Land of a Thousand Dances” reached #67 on the national charts and they enjoyed several local and regional hits.  The fact that many of their recordings have been bootlegged to this day, both on vinyl and CD, is a testament to the popularity of their music.