Photos by Allison Long/The Star
The boisterous audience packed into Knuckleheads on Friday clearly wasn't in the mood for holiday music.
As Raul Malo opened his show with four consecutive Christmas songs, the capacity crowd of about 350 grew increasingly restless. Even an exquisitely reverent rendition of "Silent Night" failed to quell the growing discontent. Just moments into the evening's first secular song, however, the dance floor of the East Bottoms roadhouse filled with Malo's exuberant female admirers.
Much of the congestion in the tightly packed room was relieved as the women were joined by male companions for the next selection, the gleeful Tex-Mex party song "San Antonio Baby." The dancing didn't let up for the duration of Malo's two-hour and ten-minute appearance. Backed by a fine four-piece band highlighted by Michael Guerra's astounding accordion work, the irresistible dance music provided the soundtrack for a night that will long be remembered by roots music aficionados.
Friday's concert was the final date of Malo's current tour. His band's performance exuded a correspondingly carefree tone. Malo will soon find himself in a different setting that will presumably allow him to perform in larger venues.
"Next year my old band the Mavericks is getting back together," Malo said. "We'll come back but we'll never be this close again."
The Mavericks were among the most interesting acts on the country charts in the '90s. A unique amalgamation of American music, the Mavericks combined the styles of Elvis Presley, Buck Owens and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Among the Mavericks selections Malo performed Friday were "Dance the Night Away" and "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down."
Even better was a Latin-tinged reading of Bruce Springsteen's "All That Heaven Will Allow," a transportive version of the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin''" and a few traditional songs sung in Spanish. Eminently soulful and effortlessly operatic, Malo's voice remains a marvel. Both his visage and voice bear striking resemblances to a young Luciano Pavarotti.
The show may have begun unpromisingly, but it ended with a magical moment. A second encore concluded with a heartfelt version of the Roy Orbison hit "Dream Baby." As Malo and his band exited the stage for the final time, the audience continued to sing the song's chorus. The spontaneous effect felt like the sweetest of dreams.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
Fine review, Bill. Standing by you, I think we agreed that the problem with the opening 4 holiday songs wasn't in the execution but in that element of the crowd itself. Especially during that lovely, delicate reading of "Silent Night", the chatting/laughing/damned near bellowing (especially from the table next to you & I) was horrible but all too common these days, it seems. Fortunately once the band got louder, as you note, the room eased a bit & it was possible to move around a little.
I have a set list from last night but he didn't follow it very closely. From up front & discussion afterward, he & the band seemed to have enjoyed themselves & it showed in lengthy departures from the set list. One small correction though - The Orbison song is called "Dream Baby" and not "Sweet Dream".
And a little love for Enrique & Diego Chi for a fine (and for them, unusual) acoustic set of Making Movies songs.
Posted by: Mike Webber | December 17, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Just an amazing show!
Raul also covered 'Bright Side of the Road' by Van the Man. He had a great band there...
Posted by: Corky | December 17, 2011 at 07:52 PM
As usual, the highlight of my concert season. I agree with the chatter. I was stage left and up the ramp a little early on. I had to ask a couple of dudes to take their football gossip to the back so I could concentrate on the vocals.
I always enjoy the vibe and the groove. Perfect night of fun. Raul's impromptu ending was priceless. The band members didn't know what to do but to follow the pied piper and leave the stage. Very spontaneous.
Posted by: wadkc | December 19, 2011 at 06:38 PM
Bill,
nice job...
Posted by: Larry Luper | December 23, 2011 at 02:31 AM
For anyone that would like to see it...
The show was archived on Ustream, just look for Raul Malo Christmas Show.
If you're a fan, you can also see the previous show also recorded at Knuckleheads. Both were great but this last one was simply amazing.
I've never seen the Mavericks but I am sure looking forward to them!
Posted by: Corky | December 23, 2011 at 06:48 PM