MAS Magazine / 8 - 18 - 2006

C CU U LL T TU UR RE E .. P PR R II D DE E ..

C C O O M M M M U U N N II T T Y Y ..

Guayaberas del abuelo meet fashion Jesse Nieto weighs Cuba’s future

AUGUST 18, 2006

Volume 1, Issue 48

www.masbakersfield.com

AUGUST 18, 2006

12

The “Sacred” meaning of

Los Lonely

Boys

By Matt Munoz MÁS Staff

T

COURTESY PHOTOS

he perfect musical dish requires precise amounts of guitar, bass and drums.

Just ask guitarist/vocalist Henry Garza of the “Texican” Rock n’ Roll trio, Los Lonely Boys, which is making a stop in Bakersfield 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Rabobank Arena.

“We’re doin’ it like a Mexican, adding all kinds of spices,” laughs Garza, 28, describing the musical process he and brothers Jojo, 25 and bass player, and Ringo, 25 and drums, follow to create their hit mix of American Rock n’ Roll, traditional Latino roots and pure Texas fuerza.

Hailing from San Angelo,Texas, the brothers Garza have been all around the world spreading their sound to multitudes of fans. First with their breakout hit “Heaven” from 2004’s self-titled CD, “Los Lonely Boys.” Now with their latest “Sacred,” Los Lonely Boys continue to demonstrate a lasting power above an industry churning out disposable pop and one hit wonders.

Placing family first, fame last, Los Lonely Boys began playing music not just for fun, but as a means for survival.

Father Ringo Garza Sr., also a musician and songwriter, introduced his three sons to the harsh musician life early on, booking them in places with environments unsuitable for impressionable youths.

MAS

Cover Story

But don’t get the story wrong,Los Lonely Boys were taught life’s lessons without restriction, strengthening their unbreakable family bond.

Instead of becoming another celebrity tragedy,the Garza brotherhood has triumphed again and again.

Taking a break from their present tour, Garza spoke with MÁS via telephone from Phoenix,Ariz. after a full day of fishing with his brothers to discuss Los Lonely Boys’ musical beginnings, spiritual strength, and why naming their latest CD “Sacred” was a second choice.

Q: How’s the tour going?

A:The tour’s going great.The shows have been fantastic.We’re cranking out some of the new tunes off of “Sacred.” We got our dad out with us, and we’re doing some of his songs. It’s just fun, and it feels refreshing to be out again, try to make some money to feed the family, and take care of the babies.

Q:Where is San Angelo (your hometown) located?

A: In between Abelene and Lubbock (Texas).

Q: Did all three brothers begin playing music at the same time?

A: First, it was me and my dad (Ringo Sr.).Then, once Jojo (bass) was old enough, we started teaching him, and we were just playing for awhile.

Ringo (drums) didn’t know what he was going to be play, and neither did we.Then one day, he just picked up the drums, and I taught him how to play the drums, and he just took to it like a duck to water. It was really weird when we started to think about it.

Ringo’s name was Ringo (same as Ringo Starr of The Beatles), and he’s playing the drums.

That’s the way we all did it when our dad taught us music. It was so natural because music’s been in our family for generations, on both sides of our family, our mom’s and our dad’s.

Q: Can you remember the band’s first gig?

A:I was about 10 years old,Jojo was about 7,and Ringo was like, 5.

At first, we didn’t have drums.We had guitars and a keyboard, and we would all sing.

It was at a restaurant. Our dad got us in there to play some songs, and we played as Los Lonely Boys.

Q:Who came up with the band’s name?

A: Our dad had written a song a longtime ago called (and he sings) “I’m just a lonely, lonely boy.” Ringo was thinking of that song, and put “Los”in front of it and said Los Lonely Boys.We didn’t think about it much, and it just stuck.

Q: Did you perform your own music or cover songs?

A: We were doing all of our dad’s songs and a bunch of covers.

I was really into oldies,like Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B.Goode,” Richie Valens’“La Bamba,” “The Twist” by Chubby Checker.We were into the roots of Rock n’ Roll.

Q: How did your father manage to keep your lives in order, taking you on the road?

A: We grew up really fast.We saw a lot of things that kids at 6 years old being in your local cantinas, just don’t see all the time.We went from school to playing in the bars, playing to pay the bills.We took responsibility on ourselves as a family real quick. Our dad was really strong about that because we were in it together as a family.

He took the whole “no sheets over your eyes” to keep us from seeing what was really going on in the world.We witnessed it at a young age, and I think it helped make us who we are today.We saw things and knew what not to do just by watching all the grown-ups in the bars act like kids.

Q:How did you get discovered by (country music legend)Willie Nelson?

A: We met Willie through our management and his nephew, Fletcher.Willie heard a demo tape of us and took the time to come see us play because he was impressed.

He came to the show, and we were just like everybody else.

In walks Willie Nelson through the door and we were like, “(expletive!), I can’t believe it’s Willie! “ Q: Did Willie Nelson get up and jam with the band that night?

A: That night we just performed and gave him the “Texican” Rock n’ Roll. He fit right in. It was like we’d known him forever.

Because of the similarities, it felt like being around my dad.

He was just the guy who really took a chance and gave us the opportunity to play in front of a lot of people and because of who he is and his word of mouth brings a lot of recognition to those he hands the torch to.

Q:Can you describe the feelings you had after having a big hit with “Heaven,” on the radio and VH-1?

A: It’s really hard to say because it’s all like a dream.Coming from where we’re from, you dream, but you don’t expect it to come true.

Music is what we do. It’s our way of life.To see the album (“Los Lonely Boys”) take off the way it did, it’s just amazing for us to witness it. The song “Heaven” came out at a time when the world needed it a lot and brought a lot of comfort.

AUGUST 18, 2006

13

Q:The band seems very approachable and sincere. Are you enjoying the ride?

A:We’re no different than anybody else. We’re just doing what we’ve been blessed with.

I think we could’ve been just as good if we were attorneys.

(He laughs).

My brothers and I could’ve been “Garza Law” or “Garza Plumbing,” whatever!

Q: Being Latino and having all this fame,do you feel pressure to be a role model?

A: Me and my brothers don’t feel pressure.

We’re not trying to live up to anything; we’re just being ourselves and I think as long as anyone does that, you’re gonna do alright.

I’m just happy to be Chicano and do what we do because it does set an example and helps us “stick out like a sore thumb,” so to speak.

Q:The title of your latest CD is “Sacred.”What role does spirituality play in your lives and songwriting?

A: It’s in everything, our everyday life.

We believe in the good Lord and that we’re being guided to stay on this road.

This album (“Sacred”) was going to be called “Orale,” but someone on the (music industry) food chain couldn’t pronounce it and were worried about people not pronouncing it “Orale.”

We decided to go with something that still represents us, our family, music and spirituality. It’s “Sacred.” It’s a deep word that can speak to you in many ways.

Q:What can your Bakersfield audience expect to see at your show?

A:Three brothers getting up on stage having a good time.We’re gonna be there sharing our music with anyone who wants to lend their ears, because we got it to give…Texican Rock n’ Roll!

Q:You’ve had big tours with Santana, your own headlining shows, a Grammy award, concert DVDs and CD’, and now an upcoming documentary “Cottonfields & Crossroads” in theaters.What’s next for Los Lonely Boys?

A: My brothers and I would like to just focus on raising our kids and be good role models for our children and the rest of those that look at us.

Q:Any message for your Bakersfield fans?

A: We can’t wait to get to the streets of Bakersfield! God bless and get ready for some Texican Rock n’Roll.

Los Lonely Boys “live” w/ guests Carbon Leaf 7 p.m.,Tuesday, Aug. 22 Rabobank Arena Tickets: $30-$37 For more information: www.ticketmaster.com Phone: 661-322-2525 Hear more of Matt Munoz’s interview with Los Lonely Boys: Episode 34 of the Bakotunes Podcast: www.bakotopia.com