New music: Ollee Owens, Continental Drifters, Beth Hart, The Armoires

In this column I highlight a number of outstanding new audio titles available now.

Artist: Ollee Owens

Title: Nowhere to Hide (Ollee Owens Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Beth Hart, Larkin Poe
Tell me more: On her outstanding new album Nowhere to Hide, Canadian soul/blues singer Ollee Owens taps into the day-to-day ups and downs of everyday life and sets that palpable tapestry to song. Her real world-focused songcraft is bolstered by her rich soprano that fuses soul, gospel and blues as well as the musical contributions of famed guitarist Will McFarlane on eight of the album's 11 tracks. Produced by Bobby Blazier, a number of studio musicians add magic to the proceedings. The range of material ranges from the nuanced title track and Muscle Shoals-flavored "Some Days" to the emotive blues ballad "Roots," joyful "Love You Better" and soulful "Still in Pieces." The album closes out with a rousing horn section-adorned reading of the 1990 Los Lobos track "The Neighborhood" and stirring version of Bob Dylan's "Lord Protect My Child." Information: olleeowens.com.

Artist: Continental Drifters

Title: White Noise & Lightning: The Best of Continental Drifters (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Bangles, Peter Holsapple, the Jayhawks

Tell me more: For those who haven't yet caught up with the magic of Continental Drifters, White Noise & Lightning: The Best of Continental Drifters is the perfect introduction to the beloved collective. The 11-track LP and 15-track audio CD collection casts an outstanding light on the congregation of musical talents whose members first found fame in the illustrious likes of the Bangles, Dream Syndicate, the dB's, the Cowsills and more. Brilliant songcraft, top-tier musicianship and alluring vocal harmonies are among the key elements of Continental Drifters' signature sound. Among this writer's top cuts is the jangly opener "The Rain Song" co-penned by Susan Cowsill and Vicki Peterson, the propulsive Americana rocker "Mezzanine" featuring Carlo Nuccio, countrified Peter Holsapple-penned "Invisible Boyfriend," shimmering "Get Over It," dreamy "Mixed Messages" and reflective "Drifters." The CD version of the collection features a previously unissued 12-minute live version of "Who We Are, Where We Live." The beautiful LP and audio CD packaging of the Omnivore Recordings release contains new liner notes from Sean Kelly (author of the band biography "White Noise & Lightning: The Continental Drifters Story." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Beth Hart

Title: You Still Got Me (Provogue Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Beth Hart, Slash, Eric Gales, Janis Joplin

Tell me more: Modern blues songstress Beth Hart is back with her 11th studio album You Still Got Me, a hard hitting disc of original blues-rock sure to please fans of the Los Angeles-based artist. Armed with a strong and gritty voice, Hart delivers a slew of great tracks on the Kevin Shirley-produced album including the forceful "Savior With A Razor" (featuring lead guitar from Slash), the heavy blues cut "Suga N My Bowl" (the latter bolstered by the work of guitar great Eric Gales), the lovely title track "You Still Got Me," the tender "Little Heartbreak Girl" and the stirring single "Wonderful World." Information: bethhart.com.

Artist: The Armoires

Title: Octoberland (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs, Fleetwood Mac, The Sundays

Tell me more: Released on Oct. 11, the Armoires' fourth album Octoberland is an exhilarating listen sure to please fans of top-tier indie rock and power pop. Produced by Michael Simmons (of sparkle*jets u.k. fame), the Armoires — singer-keyboardist Christina Bulbenko, singer-guitarist Rex Broome, drummer John M. Borack and bassist Clifford Ulrich — showcase an inviting sound that blends great musicianship,  sophisticated songcraft and effortless tunefulness that collectively elevate each of the 11 tracks on the disc. The tandem lead and harmony vocals of Bulbenko and Broome are a key element of the Armoires' signature sound. Broken into two parts, Octoberland's strength and momentum shines at every turn. Part One standouts include the psychedelic opener "We Absolutely Mean It," the shimmering new wave-mining "Ridley & Me After The Apocalypse," melodic "Ouroboros Blues (Crow Whisperer)" and Celtic-tinged "Green Hellfire At The 7-11." Part Two highlights include the sumptuous "You Oughta Be Cut In Half," sweeping "Snake Island Thirteen" (the latter "a windswept cry of solidarity with Christina Bulbenko's war-torn ancestral homeland of Ukraine"), and the winning ear candy-drenched closer "Music & Animals." Octoberland is one of the great new studio albums of 2024. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Los Lobos, Cruzados, Divine Horsemen, I See Hawks in L.A., Radio California, Colin Hay

In this column the focus is on six Los Angeles area artists. All have newly-available or soon-to-be released titles definitely worth a listen.

Artist: Los Lobos

Title: Native Sons (New West Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Los Lobos, the Mavericks, the Blasters

Tell me more: East Los Angeles-spawned legends Los Lobos revisit the music of a diverse field of their influential musical heroes on the newly-released Native Sons. The quintet (singer-guitarist David Hidalgo, singer-guitarist Louie Pérez, Jr.,singer-guitarist-keyboardist Cesar Rosas, singer-bassist Conrad Lozano and saxophonist-keyboardist Steve Berlin) honors 13 classics by infusing their own signature style into each of the well-crafted remakes. Thinks kick off with an infectious run through of Thee Midniters' "Love Special Delivery" (bolstered by the blend of horns, freewheeling drums and lead guitar). Classic rock favorites from Buffalo Springfield get the dual treatment via Los Lobos' intoxicating take on "Bluebird" and Americana-flavored "For What It's Worth." Other highlights include a beautiful and nuanced version of Jackson Browne's "Jamaica Say You Well," a rousing jump blues reading of Percy Mayfield's "Never No More" and soulful take on The Beach Boys classic "Sail On, Sailor." Long a champion of Chicano rock, mariachi and música norteña, Los Lobos performs a rollicking version of Lalo Guerrero's "Los Chucos Suaves" and the tender ballad "Dichoso." Los Lobos' stunning version of War's "The World is a Ghetto" features several guests, including Little Willie G. (who sang on the title track back in 1972) along with Jacob G. (Willie's son), R&B artist Barrence Whitfield and world class percussionist Camilo Quinones. Los Lobos also ties the thematic journey together via the inclusion of the original "Native Son." Information: LosLobos.org.

Artist: Cruzados

Title: She's Automatic (Scamco Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Los Lobos, Billy F Gibbons, Steve Earle, The Doors' "L.A. Woman" album

Tell me more: Signed to Clive Davis' Arista Records in 1983, Los Angeles-based Cruzados released two acclaimed albums featuring an infectious and raucous style of Latin-tinged post-punk hard rock before calling it quits in 1991 (those wanting to see the band in those early years can catch their screen appearance in the 1989 film "Road House" performing "Don't Throw Stones" from the band's After Dark LP). Now, Cruzados are back with She's Automatic (out Aug. 13, 2021 via Scamco Records), an 11-track disc that fully delivers on the band's genuine legacy. Founding bassist-songwriter Tony Marsico, guitarists Loren Molinare and Mark Tremalgia, singer Ron Young and drummer Rob Klonel bring a rootsy power and fun spirit to the songs, with a slew of great guests adding additional wizardry to the tracks.  The classic rock-mining "On The Tilt A Whirl," hard-hitting "Nine Million Tears," heavy Texas blues stomp "Son of the Blues," gentle "Sad Sadie" (featuring guest vocals from John Doe), Southern blues rocker "Let Me Down" (featuring guitarist Dave Alvin and accordion player David Hidalgo) and rowdy "54 Knockouts" (with sax great Steve Berlin of Los Lobos) are among the winning originals on the Cruzados return. The album draws to a killer close with the hypnotic blues rocker "Rock That Boat," featuring some killer blues harp from Jimmy Z and the collective power of all five members of Cruzados. Information: CruzadosBand.com.

Artist: Divine Horsemen

Title: Hot Rise of an Ice Cream Phoenix (In the Red Records Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Flesh Eaters, X, Dinosaur Jr.

Tell me more: On Aug. 20, Los Angeles' Divine Horsemen returns after 33 years to release Hot Rise of an Ice Cream Phoenix. The forthcoming album will mark the band's first release of new music since the "A Handful of Sand" EP was released in January 1988. Chris Desjardins (a.k.a. Chris D.) and Julie Christensen introduced their groundbreaking project via Time Stands Still (released in 1984 via Enigma Records). The end of the duo's marriage around the time of their A Handful of Sand release might have ended the story of Divine Horsemen for good, but the two remained in touch and on good terms. A series of fortuitous events led the two artists to reform Divine Horsemen to record the forthcoming album. The two singers voices blend with the kind of magical allure that draws comparisons with Exene Cervenka and John Doe of X fortified with the heavy rock sweep associated with Crazy Horse and Dinosaur Jr. on select tracks and gentle nuance of the collaborations between Leonard Cohen and Jennifer Warnes on others. A mix of originals and creatively reworked covers fill the album, all potent. The crunchy opener "Mystery Writers" (with terrific lyrics from Chris D.), beautiful acoustic cut "Barefoot in the Streets" (with lyrics by Chris D. and music by Christensen) and snappy indie rocker "Stony Path" are among my faves on the album. The epic "Falling Forward" is striking, a masterful blend of the two singers' voices enhanced by expansive guitar work from Peter Andrus. Information: DivineHorsemen.com. 

Artist: I See Hawks in L.A.

Title: On Our Way (Western Seeds Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, John Doe

Tell me more: While the world has changed in monumental and challenging ways since I See Hawks in L.A. released their previous album Hawks with Good Intentions in September 2019, the Los Angeles troupe's forthcoming album On Our Way (coming Aug. 27, 2021) offers the perfect chance to reconnect with the beauty around us. On the alt country quartet's On Our Way the efforts of singer-guitarist Rob Waller, multi-instrumentalist/backing vocalist Paul Lacques, bassist-vocalist Paul Marshall and percussionist-vocalist Victoria Jacobs to stay connected by songwriting via FaceTime and completing recording remotely during the pandemic astound. This is a beautiful and soul-stirring set of songs that defies the angry shouting heard on 24-hour cable news in favor of songs about "Geronimo, Muhammad Ali, the Faulknerian dilemma, in language sometimes more abstract and mirroring than narration" (according to press notes) as well as "...classic Hawks train beats and country rockers about Marin Wiccans, London mod dub hippie markets and the [un]certainties of love and broken hearts." Indeed, the range of topics is equaled by the musical depth displayed on the collection. From the lovely mandolin- and pedal steel guitar-adorned Americana opening gem "Might've Been Me" and authentic countrified "On Our Way" to the spoken word neo-trance blues of "Mississippi Gas Station Blues" and psychedelia-laced "Kensington Market" and poignant "Geronimo" I See Hawks in L.A. creates songs that tap into authentic country, roots, bluegrass and folk stylings with amazing warmth and might. A number of guest performers help further bring the rich tapestry of songs to life. Information: iseehawks.com. 

Artist: Radio California

Title: Whiskey Sour and a Cheap Motel (Radio California)

You might like if you enjoy: Youth Gone Mad, Hüsker Dü 

Tell me more: Los Angeles area-based Radio California is back with another batch of genre-be-damned originals (Whiskey Sour and a Cheap Motel) pulled from the band's signature sonic stew of art damage, garage rock, punk, spoken word and experimental rock 'n' roll. I'm always amazed where singer--guitarist-lyricist Jesseo and company come up with their truly-original sound; Jesseo's songs and vocal delivery are reflective and emotive even when the sonic sphere around him is awash with various instrumental textures and rhythms. The opener ("Whiskey Sour") is dreamy at its core thanks to some cool Johnny Marr-styled rhythm guitar work even while a driving drum pattern and forceful lead guitar blasts (the latter courtesy of guest player Hank Williams) assure the listener is in for something different. "Over the Top" blends punk and garage rock styles with a clap-along rhythm; spoken word, harmonies and vocal humming along with some evocative lead guitar lines intersect in "URA Wonder." The hard-edged punk rocker "Same Fate" tackles the grim reality that "Your all the same when it comes to the end / No matter what kind of box they put you in" with melodic force. Elsewhere, "My Monet" recalls the approach of The Cure's early work. Information: https://www.facebook.com/Radio-California-429692217119882.

Artist: Colin Hay

Title: I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (Compass Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Colin Hay, Men At Work, The Beatles

Tell me more: Colin Hay is back with another essential album, this one a full-length disc of incredible covers — I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself — he makes his own. Indeed, beloved songs from The Beatles, Kinks, Faces and others benefit from the Men At Work front man's meticulous touch. There is so much to celebrate on the 10-track collection. Hay's natural melancholy-rich baritone hits its mark early on via the confessional title track (a Burt Bacharach/Hal David composition), Ray Davies' 1967 favorite "Waterloo Sunset" and The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)." In Hay's skilled hands, there is a reflective approach where the songs' melodies and lyrics are thrust center stage sans cliche — just listen to his tearful take on Gerry and the Pacemakers' "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying." I've always been disappointed by attempts to cover the Jimmy Webb-penned Glen Campbell classic "Wichita Lineman"; Hay's ethereal take on the song is beautiful and moving. The arrangement is mostly faithful, but Hay's signature vocals envelop each line of the masterwork as it artfully builds to a majestic close. While most of the selections are pulled from the 1960s, Hay effectively reintroduces the Justin Currie-penned mid-'90s Del Amitri masterpiece "Driving with the Brakes On" via a bold rendition that burgeons from its plaintive opening into a glorious finale. Information: ColinHay.com.

Robert Kinsler

Los Lobos return with "Native Sons" tomorrow via New West Records - SPIN shares "Native Son" video today

So great to hear new Los Lobos on the eve of the release of the band's new album "Native Sons." I caught the band perform an incredible set at the NAMM Show in Anaheim in January 2020 and they were fantastic. I'm very excited to see that Los Lobos will be performing at one of my favorite area venues, The Coach House, this December too! Robert Kinsler

LOS LOBOS RETURN WITH NATIVE SONS TOMORROW VIA NEW WEST RECORDS 

 

13-SONG SET SERVES AS A LOVE LETTER TO LOS ANGELES 

 

SPIN SHARES “NATIVE SON” VIDEO TODAY WHICH PREVIOUSLY PREMIERED AT DODGER STADIUM 

 

Los Lobos at Dodger Stadium by Piero F Giunti 

 

Los Lobos will return with Native Sons tomorrow via New West Records. The 13-song set was produced by Los Lobos in East Los Angeles and finds the band mapping their musical DNA as a kaleidoscopic selection of tribute songs from their homeland, ultimately creating a crucial snapshot of L.A.’s musical heritage. Having formed in 1973 and gotten their start playing spirited renditions of Mexican folk music at parties and in restaurants, Los Lobos are no strangers to reinterpretation (and if you’ve ever been to one of their legendary live shows, you already know that). These brothers have always held a deep appreciation for diverse music, and they love pulling out old gems and making them shine like new. Met with critical acclaim, The Associated Press said, "The adventurous song selections make the album a celebration of diversity, and a showcase for Los Lobos' marvelous versatility...It's true roots music." David Fricke said in his 4 out of 5 Star MOJO review, “Pin Ups en Espanol: East LA’s greatest dance band hosts a ‘covers’ party,” American Songwriter said in their 4 out 5 Star review, "...What's here is consistently inspirational," and Uncut Magazine awarded the album 8 out of 10 stars. Mother Jones said “They are a national treasure,” while the actor, comedian, and podcast host Marc Maron exclaimed “Los Lobos makes almost all other bands look like novelty acts.” 

 

For all the trailblazing musical acts who’ve emerged from Los Angeles, very few embody the city’s wildly eclectic spirit more wholeheartedly than Los Lobos. Over the last five decades, the East L.A.-bred band has made an indelible mark on music history by exploring an enormous diversity of genres—rock-and-roll and R&B, surf music and soul, mariachi and música norteña, punk rock and country—and building a boldly unpredictable sound all their own. 

 

In a nod to their neighborhood, Native Sons opens with the wide-eyed frenzy of “Love Special Delivery” by Thee Midniters, an East L.A. garage band and one of the first Chicano rock groups to ever score a major hit in the U.S. From there, it features favorites and deep cuts by other Los Angeles luminaries such as the Beach Boys, WAR, Buffalo Springfield, Jackson Browne, The Blasters (whom counted Steve Berlin as a member before his joining Los Lobos) and more. 

 

Today, SPIN has shared the video for the album’s title track, “Native Son.” The album’s sole original song is a loving homage to Los Angeles that sounds right at home amid so many classic tracks. The video was previously premiered on the jumbotron at Dodger Stadium last Friday night ahead of the band’s performance of the national anthem which kicked off the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers home game.  The “Native Son” video was partially filmed in Lincoln Heights, one of the oldest neighborhoods in East L.A. and directed by Piero F Giunti & Jon Luini. See The “Native Son” Video Here. 

 

The National Endowment for the Arts also recently named Los Lobos a part of its newest class of National Heritage fellows. The honor recognizes individuals and groups who represent the richness and breadth of America’s folk and traditional arts and supports their continuing contributions to our nation’s traditional arts heritage.

 

As with all of their catalogue, Native Sons reveals Los Lobos’ ability to merge genres and styles with both sophistication and playful spontaneity, an element that’s perfectly reflected in the album’s unbridled joy. “I played it for a friend and his first response was that it’s a party record—which sounds right to me,” says Hidalgo. Beyond that undeniably feel-good quality, Native Sons essentially serves as a love letter to Los Angeles and the endless possibilities to be found when all boundaries are shattered. “I couldn’t say there’s a common thread for all these artists, but in a way that’s exactly what makes L.A. great,” says Berlin. “You’ve got R&B and punk rock and rock-and-roll and folk, and somehow it exists together in this one weird city that we all call home.” 

 

Los Lobos have also announced 2021 & 2022 tour dates in support of Native Sons. The extensive tour includes a special Costa Mesa show with X & The Blasters on August 1st, as well as performances with The Mavericks, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle & The Dukes, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Please see all Los Lobos dates, with more to be added, below. 

 

Quickly finding their footing in L.A.’s punk/college-rock scene, Los Lobos began sharing bills with bands like Public Image Ltd. and the Circle Jerks. After making their major-label debut with 1984’s critically lauded How Will the Wolf Survive?, they went on to achieve such triumphs as contributing a smash-hit cover of Ritchie Valens’ signature song “La Bamba” to the 1987 biopic of the same name, winning three Grammy Awards, collaborating with the likes of Elvis Costello and Ry Cooder, and earning massive worldwide critical acclaim. 

 

Los Lobos’ Native Sons will be available across digital platforms, compact disc, and standard black vinyl. The Double LP vinyl editions are housed in a gatefold sleeve and feature three sides of music and a custom etching on its fourth side.  A Coke Bottle Clear Vinyl Edition limited to 4,000 copies worldwide will be available at Independent Record Stores while a Brown Vinyl Edition limited to 1,000 copies is available NOW via New West Records. 

 

Los Lobos Still Are: David Hidalgo (vocals, guitars) - Louie Pérez, Jr. (vocals, guitars) - Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitars, bass, Hammond B3 organ) - Conrad Lozano (vocals, bass) - Steve Berlin (saxes, midisax, keyboards)
 

 

Los Lobos Native Sons Track Listing:

1. Love Special Delivery (Thee Midniters)
2. Misery (Barrett Strong)
3. Bluebird / For What It’s Worth (Buffalo Springfield)
4. Los Chucos Suaves (Lalo Guerrero) 
5. Jamaica Say You Will (Jackson Browne)
6. Never No More (Percy Mayfield)
7. Native Son (Los Lobos) 
8. Dichoso (Willie Bobo)
9. Farmer John (The Premiers) 
10. Sail On, Sailor (Beach Boys) 
11. The World Is A Ghetto (WAR)
12. Flat Top Joint (Blasters) 
13. Where Lovers Go (The Jaguars) 

 

Los Lobos On Tour: 

August 1, 2021 – Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre ~
August 4, 2021 - Cincinnatti, OH - PNC Pavilion at Riberbend #
August 5, 2021 - Evanston, IL - Canal Shores Golf Course
August 6, 2021 – Michigan City, IN – Uptown Social
August 7, 2021 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center at The Heights #
August 8, 2021 - Grand Rapids, MI - Frederik Meijer Gardens #
August 12, 2021 – Vashon, WA - Vashon Center for the Arts 
August 13, 2021 - Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery @
August 14, 2021 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre @
August 20 - Scottsdale, AZ – Talking Stick Resort @
August 21, 2021 - Los Angeles, CA - The Greek @     
August 24, 2021 - Montgomery, AL - Montgomery Performing Arts Centre +  
August 26, 2021 - Selbyville, DE - The Freeman Stage at Bayside +          
August 27, 2021 - Doswell, VA - Meadow Event Park +    
August 28, 2021 – LaGrange, CA – Sweetland Amphitheatre +
August 30, 2021 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium +     
September 3, 2021 - Asheville, NC - Salvage Station +           
September 4, 2021 - Beaver Dam, KY - Beaver Dam Amphitheatre + 
September 6, 2021 – Avon, CO - Avon Performance Pavilion at Harry A. Nottingham Park
September 9, 2021 - Grass Valley, CA - The Center For The Arts 
September 16, 2021 -  Lowell, MA - Lowell Summer Music Series   
September 17, 2021 – Camden, NJ - Wiggins Park XPoNential Festival
September 18, 2021 - Webster, MA - Indian Ranch   
September 19, 2021 - Westhampton Beach, NY - Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center        
September 22, 2021 - Bethlehem, PA - Musikfest Cafe            
September 23, 2021 - South Orange, NJ - South Orange Performing Arts Center           
September 24, 2021 - Harrisburg, PA - Whitaker Center         
September 25, 2021 - State College, PA - State Theatre  
September 26, 2021 - Albany, NY - The Egg          
October 1, 2021 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern          
October 2, 2021 - Bisbee, AZ - Historic Warren Ballpark  
October 7, 2021 - Santa Barbara, CA - Lobero Theatre    
October 8, 2021 - Santa Barbara, CA - Lobero Theatre           
October 9, 2021 - Bakersfield, CA - World Records            
October 21, 2021 - Austin, TX - Antone's          
October 22, 2021 - Austin, TX - Antone's          
October 23, 2021 - Goliad, TX - Schroeder Hall 
October 24, 2021 - The Woodlands, TX - Dosey Doe Big Barn    
November 2, 2021 - Millvale, PA - Mr Smalls Theatre      
November 3, 2021 - Cleveland, OH - Music Box Supper Club           
November 4, 2021 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark          
November 5, 2021 - Grand Rapids, MI - Listening Room           
November 6, 2021 - Fort Wayne, IN - Clyde Theatre  
November 13, 2021 - Tacoma, WA - The Spanish Ballroom @ McMenamin's Elk's Temple          
November 14, 2021 - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theatre    
November 18, 2021 - Washington, DC - City Winery      
November 19, 2021 - Washington, DC - City Winery     
December 3, 2021 - San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House 
December 19, 2021 - New York, NY - City Winery     
December 20, 2021 - New York, NY - City Winery     
December 21, 2021 - New York, NY - City Winery     
January 13, 2022 - Honolulu, HI - Blue Note Hawaii       
January 14, 2022 - Honolulu, HI - Blue Note Hawaii   
February 9, 2022 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Broward Center for the Performing Arts
February 10, 2022 – Clearwater, FL – Billheimer Capitol Theatre    
March 3, 2022 - Raton, NM - Shuler Theater            
March 4, 2022 - Fort Collins, CO - Washington's  
March 5, 2022 - Steamboat Springs, CO - Strings Music Pavilion 
March 7, 2022 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater          
March 23, 2022 - Brownfield, ME - Stone Mountain Arts Center   
March 26, 2022 - Fall River, MA - Narrows Center For The Arts 
March 31, 2022 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
April 1, 2022 - Brugge, Belgium - Stadsschouwburg Brugge      
April 2, 2022 - Leuven, Belgium - Het Depot       
April 3, 2022 - Antwerp, Belgium - De Roma         
June 24, 2022 - Jacksonville, FL - Daily's Place Amphitheater *    
June 25, 2022 - Mobile, AL - Mobile Civic Center *
June 28, 2022 - Indianapolis, IN - The Amphitheater at White River State Park *          
July 1, 2022 - Canandaigua, NY - Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center *
July 2, 2022 - Gilford, NH - Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion *       
July 3, 2022 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center *      
July 6, 2022 - New Haven, CT - Westville Music Bowl *
July 8, 2022 - Philadelphia, PA - The Mann Center of Performing Arts *
July 9, 2022 - Burlington, VT - Midway Lawn *
July 10, 2022 - Patchogue, NY - Great South Bay Music Festival *      
July 12, 2022 - Lewiston, NY - Artpark *
July 15, 2022 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre *
July 16, 2022 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre * 
July 19, 2022 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap *    
July 21, 2022 - Raleigh, NC - Coastal Credit Union Music Park *       
July 23, 2022 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion *    
July 24, 2022 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center at The Heights *     
July 26, 2022 - Aurora, IL - RiverEdge Park *          
July 29, 2022 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre *        
July 30, 2022 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre *

~ w/ X & The Blasters
@ w/ The Mavericks 
+ w/ Steve Earle & The Dukes 
* w/ Tedeschi Trucks Band   
# w/ Emmylou Harris      

 

LosLobos.org
NewWestRecords.com

Los Lobos return with "Native Sons" on July 30 Via New West Records

Check out news on Los Lobos' just-announced return and the band's version of two classics...Robert Kinsler

LOS LOBOS RETURN WITH NATIVE SONS JULY 30 VIA NEW WEST RECORDS 

 

13-SONG SET SERVES AS A LOVE LETTER TO LOS ANGELES 

 

VARIETY PREMIERES “LOVE SPECIAL DELIVERY” & “SAIL ON, SAILOR”

Los Lobos Photo by Piero F. Giunti 

Los Lobos will return with Native Sons on July 30, 2021 via New West Records. The 13-song set was produced by Los Lobos in East Los Angeles and finds the band mapping their musical DNA as a kaleidoscopic selection of tribute songs from their homeland, ultimately creating a crucial snapshot of L.A.’s musical heritage. Having formed in 1973 and gotten their start playing spirited renditions of Mexican folk music at parties and in restaurants, Los Lobos are no strangers to reinterpretation (and if you’ve ever been to one of their legendary live shows, you already know that). These brothers have always held a deep appreciation for diverse music, and they love pulling out old gems and making them shine like new. 

 

For all the trailblazing musical acts who’ve emerged from Los Angeles, very few embody the city’s wildly eclectic spirit more wholeheartedly than Los Lobos. Over the last five decades, the East L.A.-bred band has made an indelible mark on music history by exploring an enormous diversity of genres—rock-and-roll and R&B, surf music and soul, mariachi and música norteña, punk rock and country—and building a boldly unpredictable sound all their own. 

 

In a nod to their neighborhood, Native Sons opens with the wide-eyed frenzy of “Love Special Delivery” by Thee Midniters, an East L.A. garage band and one of the first Chicano rock groups to ever score a major hit in the U.S. From there, it features favorites and deep cuts by other Los Angeles luminaries such as the Beach Boys, WAR, Buffalo Springfield, Jackson Browne, and more. In a particularly meaningful moment for the band, Native Sons includes a fiery cover of “Flat Top Joint” by the Blasters, the seminal L.A. roots-rock band who helped pave the way for their signing to Slash Records in the early ’80s (and whom counted Steve Berlin as a member before his joining Los Lobos). The album’s title track is its sole original song, a loving homage to Los Angeles that sounds right at home amid so many classic tracks. 

 

Today, Variety has premiered “Love Special Delivery” by Thee Midniters as well as “Sail On, Sailor” by the Beach Boys.  Of “Love Special Delivery,” Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo says “We grew up on Thee Midniters and felt like they were representing us, so their music means a lot.” “Sail On, Sailor,” an early-70s track originally sung by longtime Los Lobos friend Blondie Chaplin, was one that Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin says “seemed like it would be easy, but once we broke the eggshell it revealed itself to be a lot more complex,” adding “The genius of so many of these records is all the layers that meld together in a way that isn’t very obvious at first.” Hear “Love Special Delivery” and “Sail On, Sailor” HERE. 

 

As with all of their catalogue, Native Sons reveals Los Lobos’ ability to merge genres and styles with both sophistication and playful spontaneity, an element that’s perfectly reflected in the album’s unbridled joy. “I played it for a friend and his first response was that it’s a party record—which sounds right to me,” says Hidalgo. Beyond that undeniably feel-good quality, Native Sons essentially serves as a love letter to Los Angeles and the endless possibilities to be found when all boundaries are shattered. “I couldn’t say there’s a common thread for all these artists, but in a way that’s exactly what makes L.A. great,” says Berlin. “You’ve got R&B and punk rock and rock-and-roll and folk, and somehow it exists together in this one weird city that we all call home.” 

 

Los Lobos have also announced their initial 2021 & 2022 tour dates in support of Native Sons, launching May 27 in Santa Cruz, CA.  But first, the band will celebrate Cinco de Mayo this evening with a special live-streamed performance from the studio, featuring a post-show Q&A with the band. Tickets can be purchased via Mandolin HERE.  See all Los Lobos tour dates, including appearances with The Mavericks, Steve Earle & The Dukes, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band below.

 

Quickly finding their footing in L.A.’s punk/college-rock scene, Los Lobos began sharing bills with bands like Public Image Ltd. and the Circle Jerks. After making their major-label debut with 1984’s critically lauded How Will the Wolf Survive?, they went on to achieve such triumphs as contributing a smash-hit cover of Ritchie Valens’s signature song “La Bamba” to the 1987 biopic of the same name, winning three Grammy Awards, collaborating with the likes of Elvis Costello and Ry Cooder, and earning massive worldwide critical acclaim. 

 

Los Lobos’ Native Sons will be available across digital platforms, compact disc, and standard black vinyl. The Double LP vinyl editions will be housed in a gatefold sleeve and will feature three sides of music and a custom etching on its fourth side.  A Coke Bottle Clear Vinyl Edition limited to 4,000 copies worldwide will be available at Independent Record Stores while a Brown Vinyl Edition limited to 1,000 copies is available for pre-order NOW via New West Records. 

Los Lobos Still Are: David Hidalgo (vocals, guitars) - Louie Pérez, Jr. (vocals, guitars) - Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitars, bass, Hammond B3 organ) - Conrad Lozano (vocals, bass) - Steve Berlin (saxes, midisax, keyboards)

 
Los Lobos Native Sons Track Listing:
1. Love Special Delivery 
2. Misery 
3. Bluebird / For What It’s Worth 
4. Los Chucos Suaves 
5. Jamaica Say You Will
6. Never No More
7. Native Son 
8. Farmer John 
9. Dichoso
10. Sail On, Sailor
11. The World Is A Ghetto
12. Flat Top Joint
13. Where Lovers Go

 

Los Lobos On Tour: 
May 5, 2021 - Cinco De Mayo Livestream     
May 27, 2021 - Santa Cruz, CA - Dream Inn       
May 28, 2021 - Napa, CA - Blue Note Napa          
May 29, 2021 - Big Sur, CA - Loma Vista Gardens   
June 24, 2021 -Lowell, MA - Lowell Summer Music Series 
August 5, 2021 - Evanston, IL - Canal Shores Golf Course       
August 15, 2021 - Costa Mesa, CA - OC Fair & Event Center           
August 21, 2021 - Los Angeles, CA - The Greek @     
August 24, 2021 - Montgomery, AL - Montgomery Performing Arts Centre +  
August 26, 2021 - Selbyville, DE - The Freeman Stage at Bayside +          
August 27, 2021 - Doswell, VA - Meadow Event Park +    
August 30, 2021 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium +     
September 3, 2021 - Asheville, NC - Salvage Station +           
September 4, 2021 - Beaver Dam, KY - Beaver Dam Amphitheatre +       
September 9, 2021 - Grass Valley, CA - The Center For The Arts         
September 18, 2021 - Webster, MA - Indian Ranch   
September 19, 2021 - Westhampton Beach, NY - Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center        
September 22, 2021 - Bethlehem, PA - Musikfest Cafe            
September 23, 2021 - South Orange, NJ - South Orange Performing Arts Center           
September 24, 2021 - Harrisburg, PA - Whitaker Center         
September 25, 2021 - State College, PA - State Theatre  
September 26, 2021 - Albany, NY - The Egg          
October 1, 2021 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern          
October 2, 2021 - Bisbee, AZ - Historic Warren Ballpark      
October 8, 2021 - Santa Barbara, CA - Lobero Theatre           
October 9, 2021 - Bakersfield, CA - World Records            
October 21, 2021 - Austin, TX - Antone's          
October 22, 2021 - Austin, TX - Antone's          
October 23, 2021 - Goliad, TX - Schroeder Hall 
October 24, 2021 - The Woodlands, TX - Dosey Doe Big Barn    
November 2, 2021 - Millvale, PA - Mr Smalls Theatre      
November 3, 2021 - Cleveland, OH - Music Box Supper Club           
November 4, 2021 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark          
November 5, 2021 - Grand Rapids, MI - Listening Room           
November 6, 2021 - Fort Wayne, IN - Clyde Theatre  
November 13, 2021 - Tacoma, WA - The Spanish Ballroom @ McMenamin's Elk's Temple          
November 14, 2021 - Portland, OR - Aladdin Theatre          
December 19, 2021 - New York, NY - City Winery     
December 20, 2021 - New York, NY - City Winery     
December 21, 2021 - New York, NY - City Winery     
January 13, 2022 - Honolulu, HI - Blue Note Hawaii       
January 14, 2022 - Honolulu, HI - Blue Note Hawaii       
March 3, 2022 - Raton, NM - Shuler Theater            
March 4, 2022 - Fort Collins, CO - Washington's  
March 5, 2022 - Steamboat Springs, CO - Strings Music Pavilion 
March 7, 2022 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater          
March 23, 2022 - Brownfield, ME - Stone Mountain Arts Center   
March 26, 2022 - Fall River, MA - Narrows Center For The Arts 
March 31, 2022 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
April 1, 2022 - Brugge, Belgium - Stadsschouwburg Brugge      
April 2, 2022 - Leuven, Belgium - Het Depot       
April 3, 2022 - Antwerp, Belgium - De Roma         
June 24, 2022 - Jacksonville, FL - Daily's Place Amphitheater *    
June 25, 2022 - Mobile, AL - Mobile Civic Center *
June 28, 2022 - Indianapolis, IN - The Amphitheater at White River State Park *          
July 1, 2022 - Canandaigua, NY - Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center *
July 2, 2022 - Gilford, NH - Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion *       
July 3, 2022 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center *      
July 6, 2022 - New Haven, CT - Westville Music Bowl *
July 8, 2022 - Philadelphia, PA - The Mann Center of Performing Arts *
July 9, 2022 - Burlington, VT - Midway Lawn *
July 10, 2022 - Patchogue, NY - Great South Bay Music Festival *      
July 12, 2022 - Lewiston, NY - Artpark *
July 15, 2022 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre *
July 16, 2022 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre * 
July 19, 2022 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap *    
July 21, 2022 - Raleigh, NC - Coastal Credit Union Music Park *       
July 23, 2022 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion *    
July 24, 2022 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center at The Heights *     
July 26, 2022 - Aurora, IL - RiverEdge Park *          
July 29, 2022 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre *        
July 30, 2022 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre *

 

@ w/ The Mavericks 
+ w/ Steve Earle & The Dukes 
* w/ Tedeschi Trucks Band      

  

LosLobos.org
NewWestRecords.com

Los Lobos announce their first holiday album 'LLEGÓ NAVIDAD' out October 4 on Rhino

Here is a Christmas-minded media release that landed in my inbox...

East L.A. Icons Record Eclectic Mix Of Christmas Songs  From North, Central And South America

New Holiday Original “Christmas And You” Available Now On All Digital Download And Streaming Services

Los Lobos Tour Dates Continue This Fall And Winter

Rising up out of East L.A. comes the first ever holiday album from Los Lobos. The Grammy®-winning group researched nearly 150 Christmas-related songs from across North, Central and South America for the collections, eventually narrowing the list down to the songs they wanted to reinvent in their own inimitable style. They even wrote their own holiday original “Christmas And You,” especially for the album, which is available now on all digital download and streaming services.

 

LLEGÓ NAVIDAD is now available to pre-order and will be released on CD and digitally from Rhino on October 4 for $16.98. A vinyl version will be released on November 22 for $21.98.

 

David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, and Steve Berlin open the album with “La Rama” (the branch). This lively song is in the regional folk style known as son jarocho, which is popular in the Veracruz region of Mexico. La Rama is also the name of the traditional Mexican holiday custom where the community adorns branches from a tree and displays it in a nightly procession through the neighborhood.

 

Another album highlight “La Murga de Panamá” was originally recorded in 1971 by the legendary salsa duo of Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe. And though “La Murga” is actually the name for a group that assembles to dance, sing, and play music during another South American holiday - Carnival – the spirit of the song is no less infectious at Christmastime.

Los Lobos transform the 1958 novelty song “Dónde Está Santa Claus” (Where is Santa Claus) into a “lowrider oldie” with a head-nodding groove powered by Hidalgo’s guitar and Berlin’s vibraphone. Rosas delivers an impeccable lead vocal on “Regalo de Reyes” (meaning Gift of Kings), a song made famous by Javier Solís, Mexican actor and singer of boleros and rancheras. Naturally, the collection also includes the band’s take on Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad.”

 

The album’s new original “Christmas And You,” was written by Hidalgo and Pérez. Hidalgo’s vocals are sweet and soulful. Berlin layers in piano along with some Omnichord, Rosas provides electric guitar, and Lozano adds upright bass to create what is sure to become a modern classic. 

LLEGÓ NAVIDAD Track Listing   1.      “La Rama” 2.      “Reluciente Sol” 3.      “It’s Christmas Time In Texas” 4.      “Amarga Navidad” 5.      “Arbolito De Navidad” 6.      “¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?” 7.      “Llegó Navidad” 8.      “Las Mañanitas” 9.      “La Murga” 10.   “Christmas And You” 11.   “Regalo De Reyes” 12.   “Feliz Navidad”

LOS LOBOS Tour Dates   Aug    16 – Saint Paul, MN – Ordway Center for the Performing Arts           17 – Valparaiso, IN – Prairie Magic Music Fest            23 – Plymouth, NH – The Flying Monkey            24 – Trois-Riviéres, Quebec – Trois-Riviéres en Blues Festival            29 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom            30 – Akron, OH – E.J. Thomas Hall            31 – Kittanning, PA – John P. Murtha Amphitheater   Sept    06 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort and Casino            07 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre            12 – Albany, NY – Skyloft            13 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall            14 – North Truro, MA – Payomet Performing Arts Center            15 – East Greenwich, RI – Greenwich Odeum            19 – Beaumont, TX – Jefferson Theater            20 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall            28 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns   Oct     01 – Olympia, WA – Washington Center for the Performing Arts            02 – Kirkland, WA – Kirkland Performance Center            03 – Edmonds, WA – Edmonds Center for the Arts            04 – Mount Vernon, WA – Lincoln Theatre            05 – Federal Way, WA – Performing Arts Center of Federal Way            06 – Perris, CA – Lake Perris Fairgrounds            09 – Modesto, CA – Gallo Center for the Arts            10 – Visalia, CA – Visalia Fox Theater            11 – Long Beach, CA – Museum of Latin American Art            12 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom            13 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center            17 – Staten Island, NY – St. George Theatre            18 – Westbury, NY – Theatre at Westbury            19 – Collingswood, NJ – Scottish Rite Auditorium            20 – Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center            26 – San Diego, CA – Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise  Nov    7 – Toledo, OH – Stranahan Theater           8 – St Louis, MO – The Sheldon            9 – Bartlett, TN – Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center            14 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theatre            16 – Owings Mills, MD – The Gordon Center for Performing Arts            17 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27 Dec    8 – Chicago, IL – City Winery            9 – Chicago, IL – City Winery            10 – Chicago, IL – City Winery            12 – Washington, DC – City Winery             13 – Washington, DC – City Winery            14 – New York, NY – The Concert Hall at NY Society for Ethical Culture           15 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery            16 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery            18 – Boston, MA – City Winery             19 – Boston, MA – City Winery             27 – Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon Club            28 – Santa Calrita, CA – The Canyon Santa Clarita            29 – Pasadena, CA – The Rose            31 – Montclair, CA – The Canyon Montclair Jan      25 – Redding, CA – Cascade Theatre   Feb     9 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall            11 – Key West, FL – Key West Theater            13 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre            22 – Toronto, Ontario – Koerner Hall