The Mavericks: Tiny Desk Concert

Felix Contreras | December 12, 2022
When The Mavericks brought their long-running tour to the Tiny Desk, we could hear a well-oiled musical machine that has charmed audiences long enough to earn the band a lifetime achievement award from the Americana Music Association.

From the opening strains of "Back In Your Arms Again," we are treated to one of the best voices in the U.S. — that of Raul Malo. Backed by a smooth shuffle, Malo's voice is propelled by the subtle horn blasts that suggest a Tex-Mex border feel, driven home by the accordion.

"Mujer" is a track from the band's 2020 album, its first album of all-Spanish material, which features the band's personality shifting from Americana shuffles to Mexican wedding boleros.

"Come Unto Me" is a Mavericks chestnut and gives a glimpse into why the band is such a crowd favorite. The song filters that bolero feel of the previous song into a slow burner with a shouted chorus at the end that usually has the crowd on its feet and singing along.

The Mavericks are one of the best live shows out on the road these days and masters at bringing new fans into their fold. This performance gives us all a good idea of how the band weaves that magic.

SET LIST
"Back In Your Arms Again"
"Mujer"
"Come Unto Me"

MUSICIANS
Raul Malo: vocals, acoustic guitar
Eddie Perez: acoustic guitar, vocals
Jerry Dale McFadden: piano, vocals
Paul Deakin: drums
Ed Friedland: bass
Percy Cardona: accordion, vocals
Max Abrams: saxophone
Julio Díaz: trumpet, hand percussion
Lorenzo Molina: trumpet, hand percussion, vocals

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Felix Contreras
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Sofia Seidel
Production Assistant: Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Teresa Xie
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #tinydesk #themavericks

[TheMavericks]

Thank you Felix, Bob and the Tiny Desk team for having us! Such an honor to perform. 🖤 - The Mavericks

[seand]

NPR showing what Mavericks followers have known for over 30 years, Mavericks are amazing and nothing beats them live.

[DF-wept]

The best band in America people don’t know. Raul is the modern Roy Orbison

[shortstuffstumpleson]

Raul has one of the greatest voices in popular music in the last 30 years hands down, with no signs of faltering any time soon. And a fantastic song writer. I cannot wait to see them in Austin coming up.

[stringwood]

Raul sounds as good today as he did back in the 90’s. Excellent performance by all! One of my favorite 90’s bands.

[wunkid]

Went with my brother to a country concert and these guys were right before the main artist and man they killed! Some of the best live performers I’ve seen.

[bettymalo]

Finally! The Mavericks on Tiny Desk!!!! Best singer in the whole wide world!

[jaspernewcomb]

Saw Raul Malo open in Indy for John Prine as a last minute fill in. He played solo just him and an acoustic guitar and his voice. It was awesome and he seemed just as blown away as we were. Multiple standing ovations and at the end of his set we were all on our feet cheering and off the side of the stage John Prine himself motioned to go back and sing another song. I'm sure he still remembers it was like magic.

[theelodown]

My grandfather discovered the Mavericks this past year and fell in love. He just recently passed away and seeing this pop up in my feed today has me in tears. Their music was one of the few things that brought him joy in his last year of life and I'm incredibly thankful for that.

[willweaver]

They must have nailed them to the floor! I didn't think they could play without Eddie Perez and Jerry Dale McFadden dancing all over the place, but they can actually play in place. They have always been such a tight band.

[camerojb]

My late wife and I heard "Oh What I thrill" and fell in love with them. We saw them play at a small concert hall in Berwyn Ill 1994. And saw them 5 times after that. Always a great show

[basstheworldofficial]

There he his, Ed Friedland - The Bass Whisperer! An absolute legend in the bass world!

[rennhoalohaloren]

LOVE the Mavericks! Raul Malo and the gang are superb!

[boydmasonlake]

I first discovered the mavericks watching Austin city limits on TV by chance. The year was 1993. Been listening to them ever since

[angelus]

So intensely smooth, always.
Raul. That voice can cure what ails ya.

[ryan.bauta]

As a fellow Miamian, I am proud to say these guys came from my hometown! Phenomenal.

[troglodyte]

The Mavericks always make me feel happy ❤

[raymondst.pierre]

The Mavericks, Los Lobos, and the late, lamented Texas Tornados are the best bands I know of, and I'm a 71 year old who grew up on the Beatles.

[rikotheman]

This tiny desk is criminally underrated

[richardevon]

When this band is plugged in they absolutely levitate the venue. This acoustic iteration is simply sublime. Thank you Bob Boilen and crew.