Recorded with candor, humor and fits of inspiration, Songs of Wood & Steel is a Mexican American family album featuring musicians of different generations, languages and musical backgrounds. The material includes popular songs, original tunes, little-known Mexican traditions and spur-of-the-moment jams. The breadth of Mexican American music is deep and wide and expresses the poetry and chaos of our culture. In addition to the collaboration with David Hidalgo throughout the recording, the album includes guest appearances by Linda Ronstadt, Pete Sears, Julian Gonzalez, and the Estrada Brothers.