Singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer, Raul Malo has become a venerable force in both Latin and country music. Malo's career first took off while leading Grammy-winning group The Mavericks. Many of the band's country-influenced singles hit the charts, and when the group disbanded in the early 2000s, it had won a Grammy and two Country Music Awards. Malo had been doing some solo work on the side, and since then it has become his primary focus. Over time, his Cuban roots have pushed their way to the surface, making for an interesting mix of country, pop and salsa.
His latest release, Sinners and Saints, was self-produced and features an even broader array of styles. The album is deeply personal for Malo — it addresses his youth in the Cuban neighborhoods of Florida, his time with The Mavericks, and his place in Americana. Of course, there is a deep Latin undercurrent throughout, but there are also hints of Malo's love for country, blues, jazz and rock.
This World Cafe segment originally aired Nov. 26, 2010. (link)
Playlist - HOUR ONE
The Pretenders & Emmylou Harris "She" Return of the Grevious Angel
Lucinda Williams "Can't Let Go" Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
Wilco "Casino Queen" A.M.
Mavis Staples "Wrote a Song for Everyone" You're Not Alone
Raul Malo "Staying Here" Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Raul Malo "Living for Today" Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Raul Malo "Every Little Thing" Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Raul Malo "Sombras" Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Neil Young "Love & War" Le Noise
Dr. Dog "Shadow People" Shame, Shame
Playlist - HOUR TWO
Fairport Convention "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" Unhalfbricking
The Decemberists "Down by the Water" The King is Dead
REM "Seven Chinese Brothers" Reckoning
Seu Jorge "Rebel Rebel" The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Girls "Heartbreaker" Broken Dreams Club EP
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros "Janglin'" Up from Below
The National "Bloodbuzz Ohio" High Violet
Deerhunter "Desire Lines" Halcyon Digest
MGMT "Kids" Oracular Spectacular
The Go Betweens "Streets of Your Town" 16 Lovers Lane
Ray LaMontagne "For the Summer" God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise
Afrocubism "Mali Cuba" Afrocubism