The band was met with thunderous applause as they took the stage, with the audience on their feet in a standing ovation before the first note was even played. I suspect this show was also the first taste of live music much of the audience had experienced in over a year, or perhaps the crowd already knew that this show was going to deserve several standing ovations. I myself was seated several rows back, and I found my eyes wandering often from the action on stage to the action in the crowd. Couples were dancing, friends were smiling and singing along at the tops of their lungs, solo concert goers were on their feet and making friends. Every direction you looked you’d find someone completely immersed in the music, expressing themselves in their own unique way. It was an incredible sight to see, especially after so long without live music. I saw people of all ages singing along, dancing – having the time of their lives - and I even saw a couple a few rows up get engaged (to that couple, if this article finds its way to you, congratulations!)!
Every song was met with feverish applause, and for good reason. The Mavericks recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, but every song played sounded so fresh, no matter when it was originally released. If I didn’t already know the songs and you told me they had been released last week, I’d believe you. Each song was tight and spot-on, and no matter how many times they may have played these songs live over their 30-year career, not a single member of this band seems to be bored with them, and for good reason – these songs are still as incredible today as they were when they were first recorded, be that 30, 20, 10 years ago, or even songs from just last year. They have and will continue to stand the test of time, and the audience in Shipshewana knew it.
Of course, an important factor to be considered in this enthusiasm from the audience is how absolutely mind-blowing Raúl Malo’s voice is. He sounded every bit as good live as he does on any of The Mavericks’ studio recordings, and it looks like it comes so effortlessly to him. Vocally, his may be the greatest live performance I’ve seen by any band; he’s that incredible. He was born to sing, and his passion for doing so was evident in his performance.
As incredible as Raúl Malo’s voice is, he by no means makes the show all about him. Every player on stage was given several of their own opportunities to shine throughout the show, and it’s clear that The Mavericks only tour with the best of the best. With every solo taken, it became more and more evident to me that the show would not have been the same if one of those players wasn’t there.
Speaking of the other players, a very obvious audience favorite was accordionist Percy Cardona, and this kickoff of the En Español tour was also his first tour date playing with The Mavericks (though he has played with them for various other events and video performances). I couldn’t help but feel proud out in the audience as the people around me cheered for him because I know him from all his work with another one of my favorite bands, The Last Bandoleros. No matter what band he’s with, he plays with every ounce of his being and always wins the audience over. It was so much fun getting to see him do his thing!
Sitting several rows back, it was fascinating to me to watch audience reactions and responses to songs. I couldn’t help but notice that the Willie Nelson cover, “Angel Too Close to the Ground,” was an audience favorite (and a favorite of mine too!). Malo’s voice was especially beautiful on this ballad, and this song functioned for me as a chance to slow down, stop the dancing, and let the music in the room wash over me, something I’ve been missing so greatly since the pandemic began. The Mavericks did an excellent job of incorporating ballads like this into the show, keeping the show balanced without losing all of its energy. You’ve got to take a break from dancing sometimes!
On the other side of the sonic spectrum of audience favorites were two songs saved for the encore, “Come Unto Me,” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” I don’t think there was a single person still in their seats for these two songs. The way they were performed almost commanded getting up on your feet and dancing, and that’s what everyone I could see was doing. During these two songs especially, it was such a delight to look around and see everyone dancing and enjoying the show in their own way. There was so much joy in the room that I hope the band could see as clearly as I did, and after so long without shows, the energy in that room during these two songs was nothing short of magical.
As for me, I was especially entranced by the songs from En Español, and one of my favorites from the album was held for the encore. After what seemed like hours of enthusiastic applause, Raúl Malo and trumpetist Lorenzo Molina returned to the stage play what may very well have been my favorite segment of the whole show. To pay tribute to the country of Cuba and show support for Cuban freedom, the pair performed the Cuban classic, “Guantanamera.” The simplicity of just one voice, one guitar, and one trumpet made this moment especially beautiful, and the pair had the room’s full attention. Then, Malo and his guitar began “La Sitiera” off The Mavericks’ latest record, En Español. I can’t speak for the rest of the audience, but I found this moment, with just Malo’s voice and his guitar, to be hypnotizing. It was raw – there was no room for error – and when the rest of the band kicked in, I was in musical heaven. This song is one of my favorites off of En Español, and hearing it live was such a treat.
I could write a paragraph about every song they played, but I’ll leave it that. If I haven’t convinced you how good this band is and how incredible this show was, there’s simply no hope for you. All jokes aside, take a look at their audio stream of the show on their Facebook page and you’ll see what I mean. The Mavericks aren’t just an amazing band in the studio, they’re an insanely talented live band too, and after 30 years going at it, that’s quite the accomplishment.
Not only are they delivering studio quality sounds live, they’re having tons of fun doing it. It’s easy to see as much when you watch Jerry Dale McFadden hopping and dancing around his keyboards, or guitarist Eddie Perez walking over and egging on the front few rows on his side of the stage, or Percy Cardona, trumpetists Lorenzo Molina and Julio Diaz, and saxophonist Max Abrams line dancing when they aren’t playing. Every musician on that stage is passionate about the show they’re playing. They’re having just as much fun as the audience, and their happiness is contagious!
Take it from me, the En Español World Tour is not something you want to miss out on. Whether you’ve seen The Mavericks live before or not, go get your tickets while there’s still some available. I promise you, you’re not going to regret it! View tour dates here.
Listen to the audio from the show!
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