The Carnivaleros: Western Swing to Tasty Americana
Front man Gary Mackender and his all-star team of musicians bring eleven tunes—five instrumentals and six with lyrics—to life on The Carnivaleros’ latest offering, “Strictly Tabu.” The album’s musical styles are varied and each track is truthful to its particular genre; from western swing, waltzes and polka to just flat tasty Americana and more. Replete with virtuoso performers, the recording features Mitzi Cowell on some spine-tingling slide electric guitar, Greg Mackender on banjo, saw, and that oddball instrument the theremin, and Karl Hoffmann on bass.
The horn section (Dante and Marco Rosano, Karla Brownlee, Rick Peron) particularly shines on the instrumental tracks. The clarinet lead by Marco Rosano on Supper Club Musician is as achingly and beautifully sad as the the song’s lyrics about a down-and-out magician headed for a dark end in the gutter.
Maricopa County’s own Joe Arpaio comes in for some epic treatment in the cut Sheriff Joe. Skip it if you are apolitical or an Arpaio fan. Otherwise, it is a hoot!
The Carnivaleros are slated for seven dates in April and May, with a new line-up that includes: Karl Hoffmann on bass, Les Merrihew on drums, Brett Knickerbocker on vocals and acoustic guitar, Joe Fanning on electric guitar and Jeff Grubic on saxophone.
Catch the band’s radio performance on KXCI 91.3FM on Thursday, April 10 at 5 p.m. with “The Home Stretch” host Cathy Rivers. They also play at 2nd Saturdays on April 12, starting at 7:30 p..m., at Boondocks Lounge, 3306 N. 1st Ave., on Sunday, April 13 and at the Folk Festival on Sunday, May 4.
There’s many ways to see them, and many ways to enjoy them. Bring your dancing shoes, as these tunes will move the feet!
More information is available at Carnivaleros.com.
