Monday, November 24, 2014

Palacios Brothers - Live in Austin!

Ginger Rum: This week, we decided to review a live show. Our friends the Palacios Brothers were back in Austin to remind us why they are at the center of the blues radar.

I Ain’t No Woman: Yes, if the blues had a radar, they would be like this massive jumbo jet blinding us from the other acts. Or maybe I don't understand how radar works. What I'm saying is they're big.

Scotchy: The show was incredibly fun! They should be on the national radar given how incredibly talented and tight they are. Also, they're brothers. The county needs a bluesy rocking brother trio to undo the damage done by Hanson to all family acts out there! 

IANW: Dude, Hanson was filled with music savants compared to the Jonas Brothers.

S: OK, then Jonas Brothers but the point still stands.

IANW But anyway, on the subject of the Palacios...

S: Another aspect of them that blew me away is their musical versatility. The bass player/lead singer Delio strapped on the accordion and busted out Conjunto/Tejano music during their second set at East End on 7th. I've only encountered this music incidentally during my time in Austin and to be honest don't find myself seeking it out to listen to. The Palacios Bros' performance of these styles was fantastic and has made me reconsider the genres.

IANW: We saw them nail everything from the Eagles to Stevie to Santana to the Texas Tornados. Each song had all of the recognizable riffs and hooks, but it also had tons of the Palacios' own mojo. I mean, talk about taking a cover and making it your own.

GR: I probably should be ashamed to admit this, but I wasn’t even sure that some of their songs WERE covers until IANW said something to me. Their interpretations are so unique, and so TASTEFUL, that they pass as originals until you get to the hook and the entire audience is singing along. And speaking of the audience, these guys know how to interact with the crowd! Their stage presence is phenomenal, telling jokes, fielding requests, playing off various events happening in the audience while they play. And, when they play, the brothers are so in sync with each other. Brian and Delio even have some coordinated moves that had everyone in the house pull out their phones to capture on video. Four-hand guitar!

S: Their stage presence is confident and they own everything they do. Their classic rock/funk cover medleys are especially entertaining. Each of these guys: Delio, Brian and Marcel are incredibly talented as individuals. On top of that they have been playing together as a group for a decade, and it shows. The Palacios Bros are something really special. Definitely worth catching live.

GR: Watching Delio, I was thinking that he had already reached a level of excellent musicianship, but then he pushed beyond that. The musicianship of these brothers is almost beyond compare. And, I wasn't alone in this assessment - the crowds at both shows were tremendous and enthusiastic. Just when you think they’ve reached this pinnacle of technical skill and musicianship, they suddenly take it up to the next level. The crowd (and I) loved it.

IANW: Yeah, they're pretty much transcendent. In summary, these guys are the real deal, they are the bees knees, they're hip, they're cool, and they are excellent people. The next time they come through Austin (they're from Hebbronville, pop. 4558) you need to catch them. Their live show keeps you on the edge of your seats, or twirling on the dance floor, and we've heard they are going to be releasing a studio album soon. This is great blues.

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