Tex-Mex Memories: Good for What Ales You!

Claim to fame: If you look close, you can
see my band, Billy Midnight, listed
on the bottom, left column.

A few weeks ago, Adam and I were deep in the rabbit hole. After exhausting afternoons at school we like to challenge each other's knowledge of fabulous music. On this particular afternoon, we were planning an idea for a co-hosted radio show on WMPG (the local community radio station in Portland). The idea was rooted in making musical connections. Cosmic Connections. "We could base a whole show around one band and then dig into their connections!"
"Like the Byrds," I proclaimed. "A whole show exploring their country-rock connections."
"Fairport Convention," Adam responded.
"Yes!" I opined.
Then Adam mentioned, "Have you heard the Sir Douglas Quintet? You've got to check them out. That's a musical root right there! Classic Tex-Mex." They sounded familiar, but I was drawing a blank.

Of course, I ran home and did my homework. I checked out a few albums and then realized I'd stumbled onto something that provided a basis for a deep musical connection which I'd established years ago.

In 2009, my band, Billy Midnight, had played a musical event: Smokin' In The Park (in San Diego, CA). It was an outdoor festival based around roots music and BBQ. Sure enough, we shared the stage with Los Lobos and the Texas Tornados! Doug Sahm (of Sir Douglas Quintet) was one of the founding Tornados (along with Flaco Jimenez, Freddie Fender and Auggie Meyers). Unfortunately, Doug Sahm passed away in '99. When we played with the Tornados, his son (Shawn) was fronting the band. Anyhow, we met the band backstage with Los Lobos and basked in glory. It was a night I'll never forget. I'll always remember catching a glimpse of David Hidalgo (of Los Lobos) sitting on a couch with Flaco Jimenez, engaged in a deep conversation. It was like sneaking a peek of Socrates and Plato in the agora of Ancient Athens. Kind of.

Anyhow, I've been listening to this tune all week. Sarah has now asked me to stop playing it at breakfast (despite its catchy refrain). I couldn't find the Tornados recording (it's on my playlist, if you like). This version with Flaco is classic. ¡Órale!