The Mavericks

The Mavericks, the eclectic rock and country group known for crisscrossing musical boundaries with abandon, has gone through three distinct phases since it was founded in Miami in 1989. An initial period of heady success marked by big hits and critical acclaim in the ‘90s. A long hiatus starting 2003 when the musicians each went their own way. And finally, a triumphant reunion in 2012 which held long enough for them to recently celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary.

Now, The Mavericks have ushered in the fourth phase of their evolution with the #1 Billboard debut of their first-ever, all Spanish album, En Español, released on the band’s own Mono Mundo label. Although all 12 tracks are in Spanish, as the title suggests, the collection represents a diversity of musical styles and cultural traditions, from tender boleros to brassy mariachi to reimagined Afro-Cuban classics. Seven of the tunes are familiar gems drawn from the vast Latin American songbook, while five are originals written or co-written by Malo.

Like the band’s entire body of music, this one album cannot be boxed into a single category. The songs are as diverse as Latin America itself, and as cohesive as the ideal of the American melting pot. To season this rich musical paella, The Mavericks add their signature country/rock/Tex-Mex flavors and a refreshing spontaneity to the mix. En Español flips the band’s usual fusion formula, which adds a striking assortment of genres—salsa, ska, norteño, mariachi, and much more—to its sturdy rock/country base. Now, the foundation is solidly Latin with streaks of irreverent rock and twangy guitars running through it, all branded with the unmistakable Mavericks style.

For more info, visit: themavericksband.com

 

The Modern Don Juans

The Modern Don Juans are four veterans of the international “rockin’ scene” who have played in some of the most prominent rockabilly bands since the 1990s including Ronnie Dawson, Big Sandy & The Fly-Rite Trio, The Bellfuries, Marti Brom & Her Jet Tone Boys and The Star Mountain Dreamers. Living in Austin, Texas, this Lone Star blend of rockabilly, rock and roll, blues and country consists of Tony Estrada (vocals), Tjarko Jeen (guitar), Todd Wulfmeyer (bass) and Bobby Trimble (drums). Although the band mainly plays around Austin these days they still regularly headline at Festivals in the US and Europe. A second record is in the works.

 

Boi Orbison

For more info, visit: boiorbison.com