LLB Take Over the Airwaves in NYC
Tune in online Thursday, August 14th at 2pm EST when LLB will be visiting with NYC’s “Fresh” 102.7 for an acoustic performance and interview.
Tune in online Thursday, August 14th at 2pm EST when LLB will be visiting with NYC’s “Fresh” 102.7 for an acoustic performance and interview.
The highlights came, not surprisingly, when the two bands co-mingled on stage. Guitarist Henry Garza and drummer Ringo Garza joined Los Lobos for a two-song set that included Elmore James’ “One Way Out,” while Ringo came dashing back on when Los Lobos kicked into a version of “La Bamba” (which it recorded for the 1987 Ritchie Valens bio-film of the same name) that also included a bit of the Young Rascals’ “Good Lovin’.”
Los Lobs guitarist David Hidalgo and saxophonist Steve Berlin returned the favor during Los Lonely Boys’ portion of the show, closing the main set with a medley of the Dale Hawkins/Creedence Clearwater Revival hit “Suzie Q” and CCR’s “Born on the Bayou,” followed by the Spencer Davis Group’s “I’m a Man,” which Los Lonely Boys covered on their latest album, “Forgiven.”
Los Lobos’ Cesar Rosas, then popped on during Los Lonely Boys’ encore, adding a second guitar to the Texas trio’s breakthrough hit, “Heaven.”
With all that going on both bands still had a chance to strut a bit of their own stuff — effectively, despite a dodgy, bottom-heavy sound mix for both band. Los Lobos’ 75-minute set featured a long, fiery jam on “That Train Don’t Stop Here” but mostly went the covers route, from Dave Alvin’s “Marie Marie” to crowd-pleasing versions of Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” “Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” the Grateful Dead’s “Bertha” and the Sir Douglas Quintet’s “She’s About a Mover” before Los Lonely Boys joined them.
Los Lonely Boys played for the same amount of time but focused more on its own material, showcasing their sibling harmonies on songs such as “Hollywood,” “Staying With Me,” “Forgiven” and “Nobody Else.”
Though the trio format can be limiting, the wah-wah pedal loving Henry Garza proved himself an facile enough guitarist to keep things interesting, particular on the lengthy intro to “Oye Mamacita,” while the group had a bit of fun with guest vocalist Russ Steele on the loose-limbed “Guero in the Barrio” and injected some social consciousness with “There’s A War Going On” — before the Los Lobos collaborations reinstated the party feeling.
In Spanish, it was a night of “magia.”
The magic of rootsy Mexican-American rock and blues swept through the outdoor amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on Thursday like never before when Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos paired up for a brilliant display of musical brotherhood.
With inspired jamming and an infectiously cheerful attitude that had fans gyrating and swaying from the get-go, the two bands’ summer “Brotherhood Tour” produced a bilingual, multicultural splash of rhythmic, guitar-driven tunes that lasted more than 2 1/2 hours (thanks to an earlier than usual start time).
<!– if (parseFloat(navigator.appVersion) == 0) { document.write('’); } –> Starting with Los Lobos’ opening salvo of its classic, 1984 roots-rocking gem “Will the Wolf Survive?” and ending with Los Lonely Boys’ cover of James Brown’s “I Feel Good” (featuring Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin on saxophone), the brotherly bands couldn’t have delivered a more perfect representation of their Mexican heritage and American upbringing.
There was Los Lobos’ dance-inspiring, Latin-flavored “Chuco’s Cumbia,” followed immediately by the throwback rock of “Come On, Let’s Go,” with Berlin’s throaty sax work and David Hidalgo’s sweet lead guitar riffs.
There was Los Lonely Boys’ Santana-hued “Oye Mamacita,” with a sizzling guitar introduction by Henry Garza, followed by the band’s tender pop ballad, “Forgiven,” from the trio of brothers’ brand new album.
And there were Mexican polkas, tributes to Fats Domino, Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix, and rousing, bring-the-house-down renditions of both groups’ biggest hits, “La Bamba” and “Heaven,” which left the 1,500 or so fans on hand twisting, twirling and crooning at the top of their voices like happy guests at a Mexican wedding.
Which brings me to four critical observations:
1. I’m no mathemetician, but Los Lobos — Hidalgo, Berlin, Cesar Rosas, Louie Perez, Conrad Lozano — has some kind of algorithmic effect on audiences, with the number of unrestrained dancers and head-bobbers growing exponentially with every song the band plays.
2. Los Lobos, a 35-year-old American institution, absolutely OWNS the Meijer Gardens stage. Thursday’s rock-show performance, their third at the Gardens, was their best. Whether singing in Spanish or English, everything this band plays feels wholly authentic and street-cred honest. And all five band members sat at a table after their set and signed autographs for fans.
3. Los Lonely Boys’ Henry Garza is the most underrated, underappreciated young guitarist in rock today, period. Stunning fretwork, unbelievable tones. And drummer Ringo Garza and bassist JoJo Garza are no slouches either.
4. Thursday’s show may have been Grand Rapids’ best concert of the year, and one of the best in the Gardens’ six-year history. Heck, Los Lobos’ opening set alone could have ranked as the highlight of the summer series thus far.
OK, some fans might grouse that the younger, less-experienced Los Lonely Boys shouldn’t get top billing over the more influential Los Lobos, which has spent more than three decades doing what it does so well after emerging from the streets of East Los Angeles.
But none of that superficial, marquee stuff held sway with members of either band Thursday, and the brothers in Los Lonely Boys — who regard members of Los Lobos as living legends — more than proved their mettle as headliners with crisp musicianship and slick sibling harmonies.
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter. Somebody has to open (the shows),” Los Lobos’ Berlin had told me earlier.
“It’s not that big of a deal to us. It’s a night of entertainment and they’ve got a new record out, so we have no issue with that.
“Of course,” he joked, “there’s been discussion about playing golf together so that might change the whole picture.”
The bands’ sense of humor and positive demeanor certainly was on full display Thursday, from Hidalgo inviting female fans on stage to Henry Garza encouraging the crowd to scream during Los Lonely Boys’ extended, stirring “Heaven.”
All of it was pure magic.
Send e-mail to the author: jsinkevics@grpress.com
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Check out LLB on CBS Early Show Saturday Edition on August 16, 2008.
Check out the all new Video Section of the new Los Lonely Boys Official Site. Fans can now see a never before seen “Narrative” of the More Than Love video directed by Rosalyn Rosen.
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By Fred Adams / photos by James Minchin III, on 28-07-2008 07:56
Since achieving a massive breakthrough three years ago with their chart topping single “Heaven,” Los Lonely Boys – the Texican trio comprised of brothers Henry, Jo Jo and Ringo Garza – have achieved multi-platinum album sales, a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 2005, and widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike.
Forgiven is the culmination of what Los Lonely Boys has been building towards for the past decade, the fulfillment of the belief and support of not just millions of fans, but also such notable artists as Willie Nelson (who appeared on the band’s major label debut), Carlos Santana (with whom they toured, as well as writing and playing on “I Don’t Want to Lose Your Love” from his 2005 album All That I Am) and Los Lobos (with whom they’ll team for the 2008 edition of the Los Lonely Boys’ Brotherhood Tour). From the bluesy groove of the opening song “Heart Won’t Tell a Lie,” to the yearning plea of the title track, to the heartfelt faith of “Love Don’t Care About Me,” Forgiven impresses from beginning to end. Throw in a rollicking version of the Steve Winwood/Spencer Davis Group hit “I’m a Man,” and Los Lonely Boys have captured the essence of their band on a disc that is sure to garner widespread appeal.
The band is quick to credit producer Steve Jordan, who suggested the band perform live in the studio, an approach they had not previously tried.
“It was good having him with there,” Jo Jo says. “Steve is smart, and has a good heart and good ideas. He had ways to keep the flow going, capture the mood. It sounded better and was easier to create with this format. He’d be there with us, standing there and jamming with this percussion thing he made, like a microphone shaker thing. When we got together with him he was one of the guys. His last name when he was with us wasn’t Jordan, he was Steve Garza!”
To Jordan, who in addition to being an in-demand producer is an elite drummer that has toured with Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan to name just a few, the live-in-studio approach seemed natural. Jordan says, “Obviously from ‘Heaven’ we knew what great songwriters they are and what kind of sound the group has. They sing wonderfully together, three brothers with this chemistry. I went to see them live at the Fillmore last year and it was a great show. They play all-out live. So I thought the best way to capture them, where I would be satisfied and to instill some fun in the process was to capture that live energy and the groove of them playing.”
Asked to name their favorite track, each brother has different answer. Henry says, “They were all so magical, but for me the one that is the foundation is the name of the album, ‘Forgiven.’ When we played that song, for me in my heart and I hope my brothers too, I got that vibe that we knew what this was all about again, what we’re all about. It’s an actual prayer that’s turned into a song, purposefully made that way. For me it was just that whole experience. Felt like a cleansing.”
Ringo makes his debut as featured vocalist on “Superman,” a song he penned for his wife. “I wanted to write for my wife,” he explains. “Henry suggested the Superman theme, and I took if from there. I’ve never sang lead vocals before. I enjoy singing with my brothers. They would always ask me if I wanted to sing lead, but I just wasn’t ready. Third album, I guess.”
Interestingly, Jo Jo’s favorite track, “There Is A War Tonight,” was reserved as a bonus track, for copies of the disc purchased from Wal-Mart. “The song is about the obvious war,” he says, “but also the war every night in our homes and our neighborhoods. There is bloodshed and broken hearts every day. We’ve put it at the front of the show, and are really enjoying playing it.”
Before embarking on the Brotherhood tour, Los Lonely Boys took time from their busy schedule to perform a handful of intimate shows in their hometown of Austin, raising money for Music for Literacy, and offering guitars and lessons to ten children from Big Brothers Big Sisters and ten from the Sunshine Camp of Austin. Beyond funds and awareness being raised, Los Lonely Boys lend a hand whenever they can. They like to give back the joy they have received, and also appeared on last year’s John Lennon Tribute disc to benefit Darfur.
“There is no end to giving back,” says Jo Jo. “It’s our way to give thanks to our fans who believe in us and our music, and it’s important to us. There is no reason to hide real human ups and downs, to having hearts and feelings. There is no pedestal. People gave us this. They believe in God, in Jesus and most of all, good will. If I am walking down the street and see someone in need, there is no way I won’t stop and try to help them. That’s the way we are.”
Though the approach they took in recording Forgiven was new, the songs remain the same unique blend of conjuto, Tex-Mex, blues rock, and pop that made the band famous. Los Lonely Boys sound proud of how far they’ve come, and of their latest release.
“We came from a town with nothing,” Ringo says. “Came from nothing but love and brotherhood – Familia. That’s what drove us. We want to let everybody know that we’ve worked the hardest, really trying to please each other and the fans. We thank the good Lord that we’re able to.
“Of all the success we’ve had, it’s still amazing to hear fans sing the words to the songs we’ve written with our hearts. We write them and think nobody will probably like them,” he says. “But (then) we play them and people sing them back to us! It’s amazing and we appreciate it so much. If I could give a hug to every crowd member, it wouldn’t be enough.”
Don’t Count Out Mainstream Rock
Los Lonely Boys
Forgiven
Epic Records (www.epicrecords.com)
Forgiven, the latest CD from Los Lonely Boys, relies on a straightforward formula: mainstream rock with a Tejano twist. In today’s pop marketplace, with its profusion of styles and recent emphasis on “indie” aesthetics, MOR rock records are becoming something of a rarity. Elder statesman such as Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana are still able to mount chart-topping recordings, based more on the reputation of their past work than on recent music-making. But the Garza brothers are able to find new vitality in a genre that might otherwise seem to be on its last legs. Their work emphasizes emotive and excellent part-singing and liberal doses of guitar solos by Henry Garza, a fine electric player whose style is reminiscent of the aforementioned Clapton and Santana, with liberal doses of Jeff Beck and bluesman Robert Cray as well. A stirring rendition of Steve Winwood’s “I’m a Man,” with zesty bongos from guest percussionist Steve Jordan, underscores Los Lonely Boys’ approach on Forgiven: celebrating their predecessors while pointing to a way forward for those who like their rock ‘n roll in a traditional vein.
GRAND RAPIDS — As JoJo Garza puts it, the tour pairing two of the country’s most respected Mexican-American rock bands — Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys — is “really a dream come true.”
After all, Garza and his brothers in Los Lonely Boys have idolized Los Lobos since they first heard the band’s rendition of the popular song “La Bamba” in the 1987 movie about singer Ritchie Valens.
“They’re living legends to us,” said Garza, bassist and singer for the Texas trio. “We couldn’t be more ecstatic about it. It’s a real honor to share the stage with them. … They did pave the way for a lot of Latin-American artists who sing rock ‘n’ roll and do traditional stuff, too.”
The Brotherhood Tour that began last month on the West Coast has been a kick for Los Lobos as well.
“Everything we hoped would happen has happened,” said Los Lobos saxophone player and multi-instrumentalist Steve Berlin. “We’ve been jamming together every night. I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
On Thursday, both bands descend on Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for one of the most eagerly awaited double bills of the summer concert series. It’s the third time Los Lobos has played the Gardens; it’s Los Lonely Boys’ first appearance in the amphitheater.
Expect the unexpected, Garza and Berlin said in separate telephone interviews during a short break from the tour.
While both bands usually mix in well-known songs from their respective catalogs — ranging from traditional Mexican songs to Tex-Mex tunes to blues-rockers — they also change set lists on the fly, depending on their mood and that of the audience. And they certainly will jam together at some point.
“The cool thing is it’s not been rote. It’s been however it feels best to the participants at the time,” Berlin said of Los Lobos, which also features David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, Conrad Lozano and Cesar Rosas.
“It changes up every night,” said Garza, who formed Los Lonely Boys with his brothers Henry (guitar) and Ringo (drums) after performing for years with their father, Enrique.
“You should always be fluid. It’s good to be fluid, it’s the best way to be. You can feel it when (fans) want to rock, when they want to slow-jam with their old lady or their husband. You can feel that. Sometimes sticking to the way it’s written isn’t always the way it should be done.”
Neither band has followed the usual formula for “the way it should be done,” yet both continue to rack up musical milestones.
Formed in the 1970s in East Los Angeles, Los Lobos has won three Grammy Awards while being widely regarded as one of the most influential Mexican-American bands of the past three decades.
The band just finished recording a children’s album with its interpretations of classic Disney tunes; the CD will be released in November.
“It’s a pretty cool record,” said Berlin, noting it should appeal to parents as well as kids.
Los Lonely Boys, formed eight years ago, also has a Grammy Award under its belt, winning the award for best pop performance in 2004 for the song “Heaven,” still a mainstay of its live shows.
The trio released its third studio album, “Forgiven,” in July and is the subject of a new PBS documentary set to air Sept. 17.
The film, “Los Lonely Boys Cottonfields and Crossroads,” tells the history and rise of the band of brothers from San Angelo, Texas.
“We’re not really old cats,” said the 28-year-old Garza, “but there’s a lot of mileage on what we’ve done and where we’ve been. It’s a way for people to see what Los Lonely Boys is about and where we’re from.”
Part of the film centers on the band’s development under the tutelage of their father, a conjunto and country musician whose sons joined his gigs in the 1990s in Texas roadhouses and cantinas.
“He (Enrique) loves it,” Garza said. “He couldn’t be more proud. He’s always telling us how proud he is of us.”
The Garza brothers burst with pride knowing they’re touring the land with their idols in Los Lobos.
“We (stand) sidestage pretty much every show they play, because we’re still in awe that these guys are out here with us and we’re out with them,” Garza said.
That the veteran group has helped mentor the young trio is gratifying to Los Lobos’ Berlin.
“It’s quite an honor if somebody feels that way about our stuff,” he said. “It’s nice to see them doing so well. They’ve learned really well.”