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Felix Contreras | December 12, 2022
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

#nprmusic #tinydesk #themavericks