On an unseasonably cool late August Saturday nite, a small but enthusiast crowd was treated to a double-bill of classic melting pot American music. The combination of John Hiatt, a mostly under-the-radar singer/songwriter and Los Lobos, one of the premier Latin influenced rock bands, was a great pairing that should have packed the Eagle venue. Both bands are promoting new releases, Los Lobos with Tin Can Trust, their first release in over 4 years and Hiatt showcasing Open Road, the latest of the 25 albums in his catalog.
The windy, brisk night probably prevented some last minute ticket sales to the less dedicated fans, but the rain held off and the music heated up the hardcore that braved the elements. First up was Los Lobos, the self proclaimed “just another band from East LA” Their mix of rock and Chicano sounds got the audience up and dancing. Together since 1973, with the newest member honorary Chicano Steve Berlin joining the band in 1984 to add another dimension with his saxophone, this is one band that shows the advantages of playing together for decades. Tight doesn’t do it justice…these guys instruments join seamlessly but they still allow each member room when it comes time to solo. David Hildago on lead guitar and accordion plays with a concise sound, not wasting a note, and his vocals highlight the spare lyrics with a feel that brings back memories of warmer places. David and drummer Louie Perez are the songwriters of the group and they performed a cross-section of hits from their deep catalog, joined by Conrad Lozan on bass and Cesar Rosas, wearing his ever-present shades, on guitar and vocals.
They opened with “How Will the Wolf Survive” from way back and then got everyone dancing in the aisles with “Mas y Mas.” After nailing their breakthrough hit, “La Bamba,” they segued into the Spencer Davis hit “Good Lovin”. The crowd brought them back for a well deserved encore; unusual for an opening act, but then, Los Lobos have been headliners here before.
After a quick intermission with the rain still holding off, John Hiatt took the stage. Hiatt songs have been recorded by everyone from Joe Cocker to Roseanne Cash, with Dylan and even Bon Jovi covering his tunes. His current band consists of Doug Lancia on lead guitar, Patrick O’Hearn on bass and Kenny Blevins behind the drum kit. Hiatt has recorded and toured with some very talented player, from Ry Cooder, to Sonny Landreth to Benmont Tench, better know for playing keyboards with Tom Petty. His songs attract talented, knowledgeable musicians and he always has a great band behind him. Tonight was no exception. He opened with “Perfectly Good Guitar” his song lamenting the tendency of some rock stars to destroy their instruments. The title song from his latest release, “Open Road” was well received and he soon played his most commercially successful, the #1 hit for Bonnie Raitt, “Thing Called Love.” Hiatt thanked Bonnie for helping put his two daughters through college. After a few more tunes worthy of anyone’s “Best Of’ release, he took time to thank the audience for coming and supporting him through the years and allowing him to make a living doing the thing he loved. Things ended all too soon, but the Hiatt did come back for a final encore and the audience scattered into the night having enjoyed two great performances from two great bands.
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