Sinners & Saints
With a collection of sidemen that includes Augie Meyers , guitarist Shawm Sahm (son of Doug Sahm), Chris Tuttle, Jay Weaver & The Trishas, Raul Malo works through the vintage sounds he grew up with on the streets of Miami in addition to his own Tex-Mex flavors. Several originals (the title track and “Living for Today”) along with some extremely well chosen covers (Rodney Crowell’s “’Til I Gain Control Again,” Los Lobos’ “Saint Behind the Glass”) make this another solid collection from a man who’s an American treasure. His vocal control makes for authoritative vocal performances. You can hear the lump in his throat throughout “’Til I Gain Control Again.” “Staying Here” has a deep, committed drive. “San Antonio Baby” shows off the instrumental prowess of Malo and Augie Meyers on keys and Michael Guerra on accordion. “Sombras” is a touching ballad sung in Spanish. “Better Off In Texas,” featuring Ray Benson, is an old-time country jam that brings out the best in Tex-Mex.
Sinners & Saints is the most confident, self-assured, and consistent recording Malo's done, and it showcases his own playing and songwriting at an entirely new level of skill.