Customer Reviews

Live from Austin TX: Calexico

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw this as a new release, and bought one on a whim. I didn't know anything about this band. The description sounded good. WOW!!! Was I blown away!!! This is some really great music. It's very unique, and unique is very good in this case. I love it!!! And you will too!!!

In the DVD package, they list their influences as "Portuguese fado, 50's Jazz, gypsy music, 60's surf, and spaghetti western epics, among others".
I know one thing, it sure is great music!!! It's hard to describe, but I would call it somewhat "Jam" oriented.

They are named "Calexico" after a border town on the California/Mexico Line. According to informantion in the DVD package, they have been referred to as the "Sound of the Southwest".

The line-up consists of: Joey Burns on lead vocals and Guitar, John Convertino on drums, percussion, Martin Wenk on trumpet, guitars, vibraphone, keyboard ,accordian, vocals, Volker Zander on contrabass, bass guitar, vocals, Jacob Valenzuela on trumpet, vibraphone, shakers, vocals, and Paul Niehaus on pedal steel guitar and vocals.

The concert includes special guests: Salvador Duran (from Mexico), on vocals, shakers, and tarima, and Sam Beam on vocals and guitar, and Sarah Beam on violin and vocals.

It consists of 15 songs with an approx. run time of 77 minutes. The song set is as follows:

1. Convict Pool
2. Across the Wire
3. Cruel
4. El Picador
5. Sunken Waltz
6. Not even Stevie Nicks
7. Stray
8. All Systems Red
9. Sonic Wind
10.Alone Again Or
11.Roka w/Salvador Duran
12.He Lays in the Reins w/Salvador, Sam and Sarah Beam
13.Guero Canelo w/Salvador Duran
14.Letter to Bowie Knife
15.Crystal Frontier

This is great music, I've never seen or heard anything quite like this music. If you like music, order this, you'll love it!!! I am so glad I acted on my whim and bought this new release. You'll love it too. Thanks, and may God bless!!!

The band covers most of their popular material here, complete with appearances by Sam Beam and Salvador Duran, I loved it. I think most Calexico fans will like this as well. Fantastic performances by Joey and John, as well as Martin and Jacob! No disappointments!

I was not excited about this group after having watched this video...I expected more Mex than what is played. The radio play didn't give the full example of this group's abilities either. It was just OK for me.