“It took life for us to get to this point – Everybody was so free.
From the first notes, it sounded like an explosion of sound;
We went where the songs took us with a singularity of purpose.
We came in to make music as grown-ups, to make music as men.”
- Raul Malo, lead singer of The Mavericks
(All of the above from Mavericks Web site)
Is the
Mavericks Band a Country Band? Rock
Band? Country-Rock Band? Rock-a-billy
Band? Latino-Country Band? I defer to
the Wikipedia definition of this band: “Genre Defying”
How did this
unrepentant, hardcore, Principal-In-Chief of the Old School guy discover this
band? I am so glad you asked.
While
channel surfing last weekend I hit upon the special rebroadcast of the 50th
Anniversary of the late Country great George Jones on AXS TV. When the Jones
special was over I kept the AXS channel on and the live performance of the
Mavericks Band started.
The Band is
a mix of Cuban or Mexican background beat provided by a brass section and an
accordion. A lead guitar player that is world class, a dynamic drummer, an
organ/piano keyboard player that is non-stop talent, a rhythm guitar player, a
standup bass guitar player that is a throwback to yesterday’s music and the
lead vocalist---unbelievable range and a commanding stage presence Raul Malo,
also a super guitar player.
Some of the
songs were Country cover hits---others were songs I never heard before. The
large crowd in the NJ auditorium was composed of young girls in their 20’s,
couples in their 30’s, and are you ready for this? Several couples were in the
50-60 age group. I would have loved to have
been at this event. (Yeah, I said that!) I was hooked early on and was amazed at the talent and
intensity, drive and energy in the group. The vocals set the pace and
everything fell into place. This is a first class entertainment group!
This older
recording from England gives a good sample of the talent in this dynamic
group: (“All you ever do is bring me down” is their signature piece)
You Tube has
several selections from The Mavericks Band.
Hope you like them.
Glenn
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