Bubba Hernandez

"Big Pounding Heart"

Moon Zero Bird Records

It would probably be easier to list the styles of music San Antonio-bred, Denton-based bassist, singer and songwriter Bubba Hernandez doesn't play well than to list the styles he does. With his third CD as a leader, the former Brave Combo bass man, aided and abetted by producer and guitarist Scrote, steps out on the musical tightrope. Though they don't exactly go nuts, Hernandez, Scrote and a cadre of accomplished players, most of them from Hernandez's neighborhood, take plenty of chances musically and lyrically.

Though Hernandez edges to the outside on a couple tracks, including the near-rant "Testosterone," he's been playing for dancers and for listeners long enough to know that chances can be taken if they're driven by deep grooves. So he offers up Latin rhythms ("Si Se Puede," "Tu Me Das Vida"), reggae-meets-Latin ("Naturally"), rocking fun ("Happy Holiday"), rollicking polka and word play ("I'm a Liar") and even a ballad, the disc-closing "At the End of My Road."

It takes heart, and skill, to move up and down several musical paths. Hernandez has lots of both.

Bubba Hernandez and Los Super Vatos will celebrate the release of "Big Pounding Heart" on Saturday at Sam's Burger Joint. Vitera will open.

Jim Beal Jr.