Review: Los Lobos

Los Lobos is in a rut.  For much of its 39-year existence, the band has been one of the most creative and powerful acts in rock.  It was startling, consequently, to hear Los Lobos perform a largely unexceptional concert Thursday at Knuckleheads.

The majority of the Los Angeles-based band's one-hour-and-50-minute set seemed routine.  Even at less than peak form, however, Los Lobos is worthwhile. Nods to its roots in traditional Mexican folk music were gorgeous while the cumbia and ranchera sung by the gruff Cesar Rosas were exhilarating.  A version of "La Pistola y El Corazón" proved that David Hidalgo's voice is still sweetly mesmerizing.  And the songs from Kiko, Los Lobos' psychedelia-tinged masterpiece that fans believe is the '90s equivalent of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, retain their exquisite charm.  

A pleasant but commonplace rendition of "Guantanamera" was typical of most of the set.  While there's nothing wrong with being a good-time party band, the urgency and vitality that characterized Los Lobos' peak years was absent Thursday.  

Only when the members of opening act Making Movies joined Los Lobos for a deliriously sloppy version of "Mas y Mas" did the headliner's set catch fire.  Augmented by the whistle of a passing train and a rash of percussionists, a chaotic sense of danger seemed to motivate the members of the veteran band to step up their game lest the contributions of the young Kansas Citians show them up.  

Steve Berlin, Los Lobos' saxophonist and keyboardist, produced Making Movies' forthcoming album.  Berlin's influence and Making Movies' extensive schedule have transformed the band into one of the best ensembles in Kansas City.  Its effervescent set sounded like a combination of Santana (Making Movies performed a tribute to the band last week at Knuckleheads) and indie rock favorites M83.  

Maria the Mexican, another band from Kansas City, opened the evening with a lively set of Southwestern-tinged roots rock.  Sisters Teresa and Maria Elena Cuevas dedicated a selection to their grandmother Teresa Cuevas.  The mariachi pioneer was one of about 750 in attendance.  A life-affirming version of "La Bamba" was one of three selections on which the Cuevas sisters sat in with Los Lobos. 

Even in its somewhat diminished capacity, Los Lobos remains a potent live act.  Perhaps rubbing shoulders with their likeminded colleagues in Kansas City will inspire the members of Los Lobos to reclaim the entirety of their former glory.

| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star

Comments

[Jasper]

I first saw these guys at Guitars and Cadillacs in Westport in 1992(?) and was bitten. Brownlee's review is a bit harsh considering the touring schedule these guys are on this year and that they are not as young as there were when amazing-top-of-their-game fresh stuff like Kiko came out. Their musicianship, even on a down night - if that can be said, is 5 cuts above most acts playing live today. Their spirit, their own enjoyment of playing and performing, the harmonies and friendly interaction with the crowd is what makes Los Lobos music, American Music. God bless these guys as they celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2013.

[Maniak Productions]

I'm with Jasper.

Los Lobos is one the hardest working bands out there.

I saw them almost 2 years ago at the Folly and was blown away by the show.

Pure energy dominated the stage that night, with no opening act.

[Matt]

So, we're either of you at the show Thursday or are you just upset that a band you like didn't get a good review?

[Jasper]

I was at the show. Great show.

[Elmo Purvis]

Well, it must have been great because Roger Naber injected his ugly mug and misguided presence into the proceedings. The only amigo missing in action last night was H.C., Jr.

All in all, an enjoyable show, nevertheless. Great to see Knuckleheads succeeding with these big shows.

[LiveMusicFan]

Slightly off-topic, but I downloaded a Santana show the other day from either '69 or '73 (it's at home and I can't recall the date) and I was shocked at how much of a blues band they were. Half of the time I had to check Winamp to make sure that I wasn't listening to the Allman Brothers.

[913KCKKID]

Funny how Los Lobos is clinging to some Tejano roots. When they first broke they wanted to be considered a rock and roll band that just happened to be Hispanic, Latino, etc. Looks like some values have been compromised along the way in search of the not so mighty peso.

[Jim]

LiveMusicFan,that is ridiculous. Los Lobos has always played norteno music even when they first broke out as a rock n' roll band. Always! Where is the compromise and how are they getting rich by playing Mexican polkas? I didn't realize there was big money there.

[LiveMusicFan]

Jim -- You probably meant to address that to 913KCKID, not me.

[Jim]

LIveMusicFan, sorry about that. You're right about Santana. When they first started playing in San Francisco they were called the Santana Blues Band.

[pellboy]

913 is on a roll of wrong today. Nice going.

[Steve Mathews]

There are two kinds of concertgoers: those who come for the music and those who come for the show. MAKING MOVIES Enrique Chi's whirling dreadlocks and onstage acrobatics and the very talented (and lovely)sisters who were MARIA THE MEXICAN were more kinetic and appealing to the eye which obviously held greater appeal for Mr Brownlee, but musically; LOS LOBOS featuring David Hidalgo's multi-instrument work and clear vocals, Cesar Rosas's growling vocals, Conrad Lozano's spirited bass lines and Cougar Estrada's masterful drumming far surpassed any musical talent from the two local groups whose talent and professionalism was considerable making LOS LOBOS' performance, Thursday, all the more impressive.

[Naturelle]

I saw Los Lobos at both the Taos Solar Music Fest at the end of June and again at Knuckleheads Thursday and thought both shows were wonderful and quite energetic taking into account the different venues. The crowd at Knuckleheads certainly seemed to appreciate the enery despite Brownlee's feelings about the "unexceptional" show. Agreed; a bit harsh Mr Brownlee.

[Bake]

I grew up there, so it's in my heart but joco is my home now. We're all the same, or I wish we'd all see it that way. I fly my Mizzou flag proudly so don't you worry about that.

[Bake]

Continuing to the post, This is a fantastic survey, very nice write up, Thanks you for sharing.

[Barb Spring]

If Los Lobos is in town, I am THERE. I am dancing. I am happy. I am having the time of my life.
We all should be there.

[Adidas Porsche Design]

Very good article, the article content is very interesting, the character very image is clear

[magasin new era]

Ich stimme mit Ihren Schlussfolgerungen und wird gespannt sein, um eingehende Aktualisierungen. Nur zu sagen Dank nicht nur ausreichend sein, für die wunderbare Klarheit in Ihrem writing.It ist unerlässlich, dass wir Blog-Post zu lesen sehr sorgfältig. Ich bin bereits getan und finde, dass dieser Beitrag ist wirklich erstaunlich.