When it comes to the bajo sexto—the formidable 12-stringed instrument that, along with the accordion, effectively defines the sound of conjunto music—few practitioners can match the virtuosity of Los Texmaniacs’ leader, Max Baca. He's played with everyone from conjunto legend Flaco Jimenez and legendary Texas rocker Doug Sahm to The Rolling Stones, and he has an intimate understanding of the history of Tejano music that lends an air of effortless authenticity to his performances. He spices up Los Texmaniacs’ arrangements with elements of blues, R&B, salsa, and even cumbia, a form of Colombian dance music that boasts thumping two-step rhythms similar to the polka-derived beat of classic conjunto. On their first album, Borders y Bailles, Baca and company demonstrate their mastery of mournful boleros, foot-stomping canciòns, and soulful rancheras. Baca’s dexterous, blues-inflected picking often takes center stage, but David Farias' nimble accordion melodies add emotional heft to the slower numbers, and Oscar Garcia's solid electric bass work helps give rushing polkas like “Marina” a solid, danceable rhythmic foundation.