El Otro Lado is an ambitious set of tracks with something to say lyrically. Co-writers and producers Hopkins and Lisa Novak teamed up with bassist/backing vocalist Ken Andree and drummer/multi-instrumentalist Bruce Halper on the project.
The tracks include rockers, ballads, and two cuts with Cuba and the Mexican/American border respectively in their sights. The second track, Guajira, begins with oratory in Spanish from none other than Fidel Castro, and the cut explores pre-Castro Cuba and revolution.
"I started out to write La Bamba, but the song wanted to go somewhere else," mused Hopkins. There is plenty of guitar shredding for six-string fans, and some seriously fun and serious Spanglish.
Stories heard while volunteering at Casa Maria Soup Kitchen inspired Hopkins, with Novak's help, to write the title track. Hopkins speaks the words of humans willing to die to cross to "el otro lado." Mexico has a crisis of flight and desperation, and we have a border crisis. All those who believe we can wall off "el otro lado" might think again after absorbing this powerful track
On Lou Reed, a cut reminiscent of Cowboy Junkies or perhaps Velvet Underground, Novak wryly observes that it's a good thing that we don't think out loud. Hopkins shines on Better Days, a beautiful number featuring Javier Gamez on trumpet, Halper on piano, and cellist Nathan Sabatino.
CD release was at The Hut, 305 N. 4th Ave., on March 5 with an acoustic outdoor set at 9 p.m. and an electric set at 10 p.m. The Jons played at 11:30 p.m. Visit MySpace.com/richhopkinsandtheluminarios for more information.