Credit: Photo: Bob Boilen/NPR

When The Mavericks brought their long-running tour to the Tiny Desk, we could hear a well-oiled musical machine that has charmed audiences long enough to earn the band a lifetime achievement award from the Americana Music Association.

From the opening strains of "Back In Your Arms Again," we are treated to one of the best voices in the U.S. — that of Raul Malo. Backed by a smooth shuffle, Malo's voice is propelled by the subtle horn blasts that suggest a Tex-Mex border feel, driven home by the accordion.

"Mujer" is a track from the band's 2020 album, its first album of all-Spanish material, which features the band's personality shifting from Americana shuffles to Mexican wedding boleros.

"Come Unto Me" is a Mavericks chestnut and gives a glimpse into why the band is such a crowd favorite. The song filters that bolero feel of the previous song into a slow burner with a shouted chorus at the end that usually has the crowd on its feet and singing along.

The Mavericks are one of the best live shows out on the road these days and masters at bringing new fans into their fold. This performance gives us all a good idea of how the band weaves that magic.

SET LIST

  • "Back In Your Arms Again"
  • "Mujer"
  • "Come Unto Me"

MUSICIANS

  • Raul Malo: vocals, acoustic guitar
  • Eddie Perez: acoustic guitar, vocals
  • Jerry Dale McFadden: piano, vocals
  • Paul Deakin: drums
  • Ed Friedland: bass
  • Percy Cardona: accordion, vocals
  • Max Abrams: saxophone
  • Julio Díaz: trumpet, hand percussion 
  • Lorenzo Molina: trumpet, hand percussion, vocals

TINY DESK TEAM

  • Producer: Felix Contreras 
  • Director/Editor: Kara Frame
  • Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
  • Creative Director: Bob Boilen
  • Series Producer: Bobby Carter
  • Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Sofia Seidel
  • Production Assistant: Jill Britton
  • Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer
  • VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
  • Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

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Tags: Genre: Country  The Mavericks  Series: Tiny Desk