los lonely boys

los lonely boys

Los Lonely Boys was compelled to tip its cap to the seminal year even though the three Garza brothers weren't born yet. The last year of arguably last century's most turbulent decade inspired their EP, "1969," which drops next Tuesday. "We couldn't help but notice that 1969 was a very significant year," vocalist-bassist Jojo Garza says while calling from his home in San Angelo, Texas. "It had such an impact, especially musically. So we thought it would be fun to record some songs from that era." Los Lonely Boys, which also includes vocalist-guitarist Henry Garza and drummer Ringo Garza, recorded covers of The Doors "Roadhouse Blues," Santana's "Evil Ways," The Beatles' "She Came Through the Bathroom Window," Blind Faith's "Well All Right" and Tony Joe White's "Polk Salad Annie."

"We thought we knew what Carlos Santana was all about, but we learned even more about him when we recorded 'Evil Ways,' " says Garza. "It's an amazing song. The Beatles song we chose isn't one of their more famous songs, but it's a great song. Who wouldn't want to play a Beatles song? 'Roadhouse Blues' was one of the most straightforward Doors songs. It was a challenge and a treat to do those songs." Los Lonely Boys, which will perform tonight at the Keswick Theatre, put their own twist on the songs. The band, which mixes rock, blues and Tejano, has an identifiable sound.

"I think that's a good thing," says Garza. "We mix up sounds for our own (amalgam). So when we cover a song, it sounds different. But why do a cover reverentially anyway? You got to put your own mark on it. We like doing things differently." That's how the band will render the songs when Los Lonely Boys performs at the Keswick. The trio will render the songs acoustically on its "Brotherhood" tour. "That's a nice changeup and we'll have some fun on stage with our friend Alejandro Escovedo and Hacienda," Garza says.