By SoDak
At the start of the 1990s, I listened to a wide range of alternative country musicians, but I mostly eschewed mainstream contemporary country artists. This changed when I first heard The Mavericks, starting with their song “What a Crying Shame,” off their third record. The opening guitar riff caught my attention, but it was Raul Malo’s voice that really peaked my interest. There is a similarity to Roy Orbison, as far as soaring, emotive power, but I find Malo’s voice much more pleasing and comforting. My heart often swoons when hearing him sing. After I picked up the What a Crying Shame record, I started following their releases, as I appreciated the variety on their records, from the neotraditionalist country to Tejano to swing to pop elements. On Music for All Occasions, I loved “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Done,” which featured Flaco Jiménez on the accordion. I would have loved to hear Malo sing this song with Dwight Yoakam, as I think they would have harmonized well on this one. My other favorite on this record is “Here Comes the Rain,” mostly due to how Malo sings it. On In Time, his vocals are incredible with the accompanying horns on “Back in Your Arms Again.” His gorgeous operatic abilities are present on “Siboney,” a moving song on the Canto record by Los Super Seven. Malo always seemed to be a sweet and intelligent human being. During this last year, as his health declined due to the spreading of cancer, he continued to warn people about the fascist Trump administration and its racist anti-immigration policies. He spoke the truth, with his stunning voice, until the end.
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