The Mavericks at Keswick Theater (Glenside, PA – May 1, 2015)

The lights on stage came up, but only a little. The recorded music switched to a TexMex instrumental and, under dim light, the band walked onstage … except for keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden, who danced on and continued to dance all night as he played. You’ve got to love this guy.

Then, ladies and gentlemen: The Mavericks. Lights came up and the band started to rock. Within minutes of the first song “All Night Long,” the aisles and front of the stage area were filled with people dancing.

Band leader Raul Malo has said that he writes songs hoping they will convey a vibe, a mood for the night. He hit that mark all night at this show.

At stage right (house left) was guitarist extrodinair Eddie Perez, dressed as usual in his white tuxedo jacket ready to wail on electric guitar while spinning his long jet black hair. At stage left was Jerry Dale McFadden, without a doubt, the most energetic keyboard player I have ever seen. He dances all night and he can really play. Upstage was Paul Deakin the drummer. He drives the rhythm and beat of these songs that pushes everyone to their feet. And right there in the middle was Raul Malo, whose silky baritone voice makes the girls just a little bit … well you know what I mean.

I dare not forget right and left of the drum kit was the horn section and the bass and accordion. That upstage beat is the driving force behind The Mavericks. After “All Night Long,” the rocking continued with a little slower 1950s jitterbug beat on “Summertime,” rocking right into “What You Do To Me”.

Maybe the secret to Malo’s writing and the success of the Mavericks is the simplicity of the music. This is dance music, plain and simple. You can get lost listening to the words, all while moving. A perfect example is a much slower song — “Let it Rain,” about life on the road.

This concert was rescheduled as the original date was snowed out, but they are still touring to support their new album MONO. Be sure to catch them if you can.

Previously published in Elmore Magazine
Mark J. Smith
www.photosmithdigital.com