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You have to have an open mind to appreciate Los Lobos. Sure, the band ROCKS, but it also dips into blues, jazz, Norteņo, Latin, and even polka. It's survived more than three decades with little airplay on terrestrial radio (with the advent of satellite, that term is getting pretty important), having only a minor hit in the '80s with "Shakin' Shakin' Shakes" and a movie-soundtrack smash with their cover of Richie Valens' "La Bamba" (for the singer's biopic, they also covered "Come On, Let's Go"). Sure, most people have heard of Los Lobos, but how many have actually heard them?
From the vigor of the crowd, it seems the answer is a pack of equally wild wolves. Even though Los Lobos puts out wonderful albums (their latest is The Town and the City, a look at immigrant life in the United States), they bring a live intensity that's hard to match on CD. And their fans have a rabid energy that's equally tough to top.
Each of the band's five core members is talented in his own individual right. As the evening unfolded, Cesar Rosas -- co-vocalist and one of the two guitarists -- handled most of the crowd interaction, saying after one song, "Thank you, music lovers." (For sure, there was a lot of love between the band and crowd.) David Hidalago, the other vocalist, spent a majority of the night on either guitar or accordion. Keyboardist/woodwind player Steve Berlin was spot on, as was guitarist/drummer Louie Perez, and bassist Conrad proved himself one of the most underrated bassists in rock. Touring drummer (and unofficial sixth band member) Cougar Estrada, meanwhile, earned his keep well -- a solid addition, indeed.
Even though The Town and the City wouldn't be released for another two weeks, the group had the courage to open with a song from the new disc -- the hypnotic "Hold On." They didn't mention that it was a brand new tune, but the crowd adopted it enthusiastically. Los Lobos went on to play three more from the new album. "The Road to Gila Bend" is a fairly bouncy ditty, but the crowd really ate up (and shook their bodies to) Rosas' playful Espaņol vocals on "Chuco's Cumbia."
Lobos hits and album tracks intermingled throughout the night: "One Time, One Night" had the crowd roaring approval, as did "Come On, Let's Go." Some got up and danced during "Maria Christina" and "Let's Say Goodnight." "Kiko and the Lavender Moon" was spellbinding, and the main set got everybody moving with a 1-2-3 "I Got Loaded", "Not Fade Away", and "Bertha".
And yes, even though they're not fond of it, the band still closed the night with a rousing "La Bamba" (inserting the Young Rascals' "Good Lovin'" in the middle for a little extra, added fun). During the final tune, they invited a bunch of women from the crowd to climb on stage and dance (of course, when a guy stepped up he was quickly escorted form the stage).
Though Los Lobos became strangely over-saturated in their one moment of true stardom ("La Bamba"), they've remained a vital force. Allowing crowd members to dance on stage is a sign that they're loosening up a tad, and becoming more connected with a younger energy (hell, they even have two cell phone ringtones for sale). Methinks they won't find their way back on to rotational radio playlists any time soon, but as long as Messrs. Hidalgo, Perez, Rosas, Lozano, and Berlin keep running like animals through the woods, their fans will remain happy to return the howls.
— 18 September 2006
