They are one of those North American bands that could well be understood as a hallmark of the vast American territory. One of those fixed values of a country that still, despite the excesses of its president and his team of technocratic billionaires, continues to inspire great ideas in its broad culture. And, therefore, in its vibrant music scene. They are Los Lobos, a group whose artistic journey uncovers the essence of the best North American roots music.
Leaving Los Angeles in the mid-seventies, Los Lobos became known in the United States after the success they achieved in 1987 with a version of ‘La Bamba’, by Richie Valens. From there, they were much more ambitious and interesting than the Mexican folk band that toured the state of California as a proletarian resistance formation among the Latino community. Fabulous albums like By the Light of the Moon o Kiko They collected a whole range of influences such as rock, blues, Tex-Mex, country, R&B and folk. Works with disparate sounds, embraced by the secondary roads from the great metropolis of Los Angeles, which recognized the talent of its three great swords: guitarist and accordionist David Hidalgo, guitarist César Rosas and percussionist Louie Perez.
Hard-working and with Latin origins, Los Lobos represented a wonderful rare review in American music. They were erected on their own road within the wide highway of what in Spain was called New American Rock. Friends of The Blasters, they understood, like the Alvin brothers themselves who led The Blasters, an alternative full of pride of roots with contemporary packaging.
However, the band went through years of anxiety and reached the 21st century with a low profile until other musicians did the most to vindicate their identity. Always favorites among other musicians, they collaborated with several of their favorite artists on the album The Ridein 2004. A shot of vitality and positioning in the memory of North American music accompanied by such splendid people as Mavis Staples, Dave Alvin, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello and Rubén Blades. Even Bob Dylan took them on tour as an opening act.
Today, after almost half a century of existence, David Hidalgo and his people continue to be a top-level reference for an Americana that sounds like sweet glory in its amalgamation of styles. They tour Spain with concerts in Santiago de Compostela in the wonderful Capitol room on Wednesday, February 4, on Thursday the 5th in Barcelona at the Apolo room and on Friday the 6th in Madrid at the Wagon room. Perfect opportunities to enjoy an extraordinary set.