Music review: Calexico
Calexico ****
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
Following the slowburn subtle flavours of a couple of the band’s own alt.country numbers, the barrier-busting fiesta started with the arrival of Mexican singer/guitarist Juan Cirerol who stirred in zydeco, rock’n’roll as well as raw soul to the party hooch.
Even a bout of bronchitis could not stop Breton singer Katell Keineg from joining the ensemble, adapting the bruised, dramatic Olé, Conquistador for the inauguration. Along with singers Gaby Moreno and Pieta Brown, she joined frontman Joey Burns for a haunting harmony rendition of Woody Guthrie’s incisive, emotional Deportee.
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Hide AdBy way of contrast, Mexrissey frontman Carmilo Lara brought the beats, the MC skills and a jester-like presence to proceedings, as well as a determination to get the crowd moving.
Of the more intimate material, an old school country duet with a Tex Mex touch hit the spot though the ensemble were never more impressive than in full widescreen Texicana flow, evoking the parched panoramas of their home by tapping into that Morricone magic with mournful slide guitar and mariachi brass.