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Okay, I’ve been writing blow by blow gig stories for a while. And, well I’m actually having a bit of a writer’s block. And it doesn’t help that I’m not a writer. I am a musician. I think perhaps I’ll talk about something different. But, just quickly the Continental show was a success. We were joined by a surprise opener, Dale Petersen. They played rockabilly and featured the drummer for Los Blazers, Mike. We didn’t get to hang much because it was off and on for both acts. But, I heard they were excellent. Los Skarnales were on fire as usual. We would like to thank Los Skarnales for inviting Los Super Vatos to join them in a show. They could have done fine on their own but believe in what we’re doing so much that they would split the door with us. LSV would like to thank our dancers who took over the dance floor immediately upon the first down beat. It is also very nice to see people singing to songs they’ve only heard less than a handful of times. And the female ratio is continues to increase. Los Super Vatos are very happy musicians. ; )
How about a few things about each Vato’s musical daily life?
Well, David De La Garza is the kind of guy that pretty much plays everyday. He really does. If he’s not working on LSV music, it’s music for a Sunday church service, or music for La Mafia, or music for his cover band Cosmic Latte, or Artie’s cover band, Sancho. He also backs up Santana lead vocalist, Andy Vargas. Oh and not to forget the band with his dad, Speedy De La Garza which includes former members of Sunny and the Sunliners and Latin Breed. Now that’s something to see!
Artie Villasenor has a cover band with the other Vatos called Sancho that play around Houston. Artie works at one of the universities during the day. But, almost every evening transforms into Super Artie a guitar slinging bad muthaaaaaah …(insert chick back upsingers) ”shut yo mouth”…..”well I’m talking ‘bout Artie?!” (insert chick back up singers): “well we can dig it.” The great Chicano music critic and musicologist Ramiro Burr made comparisons to Artie playing a cross style between Santana and Dire Straits. A friend of mine compared him to Robert Cray. That’s it. That’s Artie. Plus he looks and acts cool. Suave. He also composes very well.
Steve Salazar, he too plays with the other Vatos in their side bands. He works with a skate board company during the day although he doesn’t ride one. Gracias a Dios, cause if he fell and broke a limb, we’d be hosed! Stay on your drum throne Steve-o and in the driver’s seat. He’s the best driver of us all. Funny almost every band I’ve been in the drummer is the best driver. Steve also plays Daddy to his 3 children. He’s already got them in training for musical activities. He has a major desire to be a full time musician. He deserves to be.
Nathan Smith is blowing on his horn as much as possible. I see now that he has a flute. We’ll make him whip it on one of these tunes at some point. I’m also trying to get him to sing. Well, I’ve heard requests from others as well. I don’t know how good he sings yet, but I’m sure even if he doesn’t really sing, it will be charming to say the least. Nathan has been sitting in here and there with different groups and I’ve heard him jamming in his apartment with Tim Ruiz, La Mafia’s bassist and sometimes guitarist. They like to jam to jazz standards. Nathan not only plays clubs but the kitchen as well. Nathan’s got the gourmet thing going on. He plays a mean pot and pans with butter and garlic.
And me, Bubba…Hernandez…well as of lately I’ve been playing the band. I get up in the morning, make coffee, check the emails, and start figuring out where the hell we’re gonna play till I finally have to put some pants on and not forget to eat. Although when I eat, I eat well. It’s a bit of a struggle starting over again but, no bands are supposed to last long anyway. So…I’ll get used to the insecure life of a musician again after 20 ½ years with Brave Combo. Los Super Vatos are my pet project for now. I will be working up a couple of new bands. One idea for a band is with Nick Gaitan the bassist with Los Skarnales and Robert the accordionist for the same band. We want to do some off the wall norteno style trio. The other is perhaps with Mike Medina, Thad Bonduris and perhaps Paul Slavens, some musicians from Denton/Dallas that have been eclectic mainstays in the area. We’ll probably have a latin rock, Texas Greek Mex and jazz freak out dance band. I’d love to have a band with my brother Ricky as well. One of these days I’m gonna just have to kidnap him. Ricky is my other favorite keyboard player/singer.
Keep an eye on our schedule. And check out some of our links to other interesting musical items.
Los Super Vatos will play every gig like it will be our last.
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