Sometimes the best shows are the ones that come about quickly and impromptu without much fanfare. Announced just nine days ago, The Mavericks gave an enthusiastic overflow crowd a free, frolicking 40-minute acoustic in-store set at Grimey’s, streamed live through Stageit.com.
Just last week, the band released In Time, their first studio record in over ten years. They will continue their reunion with a brief US/UK tour set to begin March 15th in San Antonio.
The line outside Grimey’s on this chilly Sunday afternoon formed at noon and reached the corner before the doors opened for the 1:30 show. Waiting for the webcast to begin, impatient lead singer Raul Malo turned some picking on his nylon-stringed guitar into a full band, all-out Conjunto version of “Never on Sunday” getting their faithful fans into a lively mood. Working without a set list, Malo called out the show’s numbers on the fly to the band. Together they made their way through five well-played, stripped-down songs from the new LP, closing with a wild version of the classic “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”
The current Mavericks line-up was augmented by Michael Guerra on trumpet along with a saxophonist, a stand-up bassist and a second accordionist. As fine as the musicians were, it was hard for the focus not to fall on lead singer Malo and his Roy Orbison-esque vocal styling. He is simply one of the best singers around. The show really hit its stride during “Come Unto Me,” the new LP’s lead track which despite only being out for a short time, brought a big cheer of recognition.
After the set, the band headed over to the new Grimey’s Too to sign copies of the new record.
In Time is sure to be one of 2013’s best records. Hopefully, we will see the band back for a full Nashville show again later this year.
SETLIST:
- Amsterdam Moon
- Fall Apart
- Back in Your Arms Again
- Come Unto Me
- All Over Again
- Shake, Rattle & Roll
BAND:
Raul Malo – vocals and acoustic guitar
Robert Reynolds – acoustic guitar
Eddie Perez – acoustic guitar
Jerry Dale McFadden – accordion
Paul Deakin – cajon
Music City Mike 
It was a wonderful gig – and to be able to get it live was amazing, here I was, in the tiny village of Uphill in Somerset, England, groovin’ to the boys live! Great post, and super pics, thanks for sharing! (Great album, isn’t it?!)
Yes–so far it is my favorite album of the year.