The band’s new album, Moon And Stars, is out now
by Jody Denberg
You could feel the energy crackling when The Mavericks entered KUTX’s Studio 1A to perform on the eve of the release of their 13th album Moon And Stars. The four core members were augmented by “The Fantastic Four” horn section, and even though they had concerts at The Moody Theater the next two nights, they gave 100% for the listeners on the other side of the airwaves and the assembled concert club members. That’s just how The Mavericks roll – they give all, always.
GRAMMY and Americana Music Lifetime Achievement winners, The Mavericks were excited to play songs from their first new music release since 2020’s groundbreaking and chart-topping En Español project; Moon And Stars is also their first return to a full English language release since their acclaimed Brand New Day album in 2017. They delivered three new songs and one old favorite with a combination of intensity and ease, all the while fronted by Raul Malo, a singer whose voice seems to have been delivered from heaven to this earthly plane.
During conversation between songs, we learned that Moon & Stars was recorded in various locales (Nashville, Santa Fe, Louisiana) and that the band holds many fond memories of their time in Austin. Which makes sense, as their Latin-edged sound conjures memories of The Texas Tornados and other Lone Star peers, yet remains singular.
“This record has been a journey of reflection, introspection, patience, learning and evolving. Some of these songs were written years ago, but they weren’t ready. Or maybe we weren’t. We are now,” the band says, as they continue pushing the boundaries of their melting pot sound ever forward. Listen to this session and you can hear that for yourself …
FOLLOW THE MAVERICKS
Set List:
“The Years Will Not Be Kind”
“Moon & Stars”
“Look Around With You”
“Back In Your Arms Again”
Album: Moon & Stars (May 17, 2024 – Mono Mundo Recordings/Thirty Tigers)
Musicians:
Raul Malo – vocals, guitar; Eddie Perez – guitar; Jerry Dale McFadden – keys; Max Abrams – tenor sax; Percy Cardona – accordion; Scotty Huff – bass; Julio Diaz – trumpet
Credits:
Host: Jody Denberg; Producer: Deidre Gott; Production Assistant: Confucius Jones; Audio Engineer: Jake Perlman; Rene Chavez, Caleb Hart; Audio Mix: Jake Perlman; Photos: Michael Minasi
