The Mavericks

Charleston Music Hall

I’ve been a fan for nearly 25 years, and finally got to see them live when we moved to Charleston, SC. There have been numerous adjustments with this eclectic group over the years, most of them appearing with outcomes of stronger lineups. Raul Malo (primary songwriter, lead vocalist, rhythm, and bass guitar), and Paul Deakin (drums), two of the initial four members keep their originally based Miami group together. Home base is currently Nashville. This Cuban infused, country based, alternative group, with Tejano influences is accompanied by the red hot, touring horn section of the Mavericks. The horns are managed by Max Abrams on the saxophone, Percy Cardona crunching his accordion, rounded out with Julio Diaz, and Lorenzo Molina playing their trumpets to melodic perfection. When called for a featured piece during a show, it’s shine time. Performing together they complement one another well. Eddie Perez plays lead guitar, and Jerry Dale McFadden rules the keys. Since reforming in 2012; Raul, Paul, Eddie, and Jerry Dale are the core four of the Mavericks.

Fortunately for my family, the Mavericks have kicked off their tours from Charleston regularly. Of the six latest tour starts, our family has enjoyed five, with my oldest sister and 97-year-old mother enjoying the last two kick offs. My mom and my sister Mary Ellen are well versed in Maverick culture. I was first introduced to this amazingly talented group way back when I was still living in New York. My first live show, held at the Charleston Music Hall, is where I met Chris, a former New York City police detective. He and his wife Sarah are huge Mavs fans. We ran into them once more the following year. I think the drive home at night, back up to Myrtle Beach became too much for them. Many deer are at the roadside keeping motorists from leisure travel through the Francis Marion National Forest on US 17 North. Once I heard that Chris was a detective in Hell’s Kitchen, I rapidly fired him questions during the 45 minutes before showtime. I am a reader of true crime, especially in NYC. I wanted to know everything that he knew about the Westies, an Irish mob that had the west side, midtown area of Manhattan wrapped around their fingertips. They did work for Roy DeMaio, mafia captain of a notorious crew of serial killers. I could have spent days listening to Chris. Firsthand accounts have a bit more goodies to tell.

The venue where we go to see the Mavs and other acts has changed their seating a bit. To my advantage, I am now able to park my chair next to my family at row 7. Much improved from row 30. At our last four shows, Offenbach’s Infernal Galup, (usually referred to as, the Can Can song) primes the audience with a 3-minute play on the house PA.

You never quite know what to expect at a Mavericks concert. This past Saturday night, an audience member had a tray of eight shots of tequila delivered to front center stage. Out from the left wing of the stage, a tall, rigid backed roadie lifted the tray, and distributed the double shot glasses to each member of the band. After their healthy shot was pounded down, a repeat serving from an unknown audience member arrived after the 4^th song. Raul, and the boys sip-pounded the shots back, then continued with their set. After a bit of banter from Raul to the audience, the music resumed, only to be interrupted three more times with more gifts of tequila. These three last trays were put aside, deposited on the top of the amps.

The first two shots, being unusual, was taken to a ridiculous level with the three more offerings. Obviously, this audience member wanted to interject himself into the show. I’ve been to many concerts, but this was a bit too much. Thankfully, after imbibing, the boys got back into professional mode and carried the rest of the concert with their unique performances, as with all Maverick shows.

I was thrilled to see drummer Paul Deakin behind his kit after nearly a year absence due to a heart ailment. He looked well, and played with a vigor that was beautiful to see. In his absence, Raul’s son Dino held down the drums well. Family friend Melissa came along, and loved the diversity of the music. I think she’ll return. When you have seen the Mavs, once is never enough.

I think we’re going to take a break from the Mavericks, as hard as it is. I don't want to overload and kill a good thing. Next week we're all going to the same venue to see the Gipsy Kings for a second time in 2 years. Covid put a kibosh to live music – we have some catching up to do.