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.
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
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.
Posted by: Jasper | July 27, 2012 at 09:38 AM
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.
Posted by: Maniak Productions | July 27, 2012 at 09:43 AM
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?
Posted by: Matt | July 27, 2012 at 09:55 AM
I was at the show. Great show.
Posted by: Jasper | July 27, 2012 at 10:20 AM
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.
Posted by: Elmo Purvis | July 27, 2012 at 10:30 AM
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.
Posted by: LiveMusicFan | July 27, 2012 at 12:31 PM
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.
Posted by: 913KCKKID | July 27, 2012 at 01:13 PM
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.
Posted by: Jim | July 27, 2012 at 01:42 PM
Jim -- You probably meant to address that to 913KCKID, not me.
Posted by: LiveMusicFan | July 27, 2012 at 02:11 PM
LIveMusicFan, sorry about that. You're right about Santana. When they first started playing in San Francisco they were called the Santana Blues Band.
Posted by: Jim | July 27, 2012 at 02:17 PM
913 is on a roll of wrong today. Nice going.
Posted by: pellboy | July 27, 2012 at 02:35 PM
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.
Posted by: Steve Mathews | July 28, 2012 at 12:57 PM
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.
Posted by: Naturelle | July 29, 2012 at 12:10 PM
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.
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Posted by: Bake | August 01, 2012 at 02:39 AM
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.
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