Calexico is a diverse collective based around the duo of guitarist/vocalist Joey Burns and drummer John Convertino. The Tucson, AZ based band has been cited as a melting pot for country, indie rock, various Spanish rooted sub-genres, jazz, and many other musical styles. Calexico has released six full-length albums, six original material tour albums, five EPs (one a collaboration with Iron & Wine), and a live DVD. Additionally, they have performed and recorded with notable musicians such as Andrew Bird, Neko Case, Amos Lee, Nancy Sinatra, Glen Hansard, and many more.
There’s always been intrigue and adventure at the heart of Calexico. Ever since they were a largely instrumental duo experimenting with their unique collection of instruments and soundtrack sensibilities, Joey Burns and John Convertino have constantly imbued their music with an unparalleled sense of drama, calling upon the myths and iconography of the American West and its Spanish speaking neighbor Mexico, equal parts Sergio Leone, Larry McMurtry, Carlos Fuentes and Cormac McCarthy. Naming themselves after a town near the California/Mexico border in honor of this cultural mélange, they’ve spent the eighteen years since they met in Los Angeles mapping out musical territory that had otherwise been neglected or at the very least considered the preserve of historians. Now, with Carried To Dust, they have defined that sound, calling upon almost two decades of exploration and an ensemble of musicians that must surely be the envy of bands throughout the world.
Carried To Dust represents the pinnacle of their achievement, a thrilling and moving journey through a landscape that draws upon the modern world as much as it does the decayed reminders of times past, stumbling upon unexpected delights whilst always moving forward with a pioneering sense of purpose. It presents a vivid picture of a world in which listeners can immerse themselves much as one is caught up in the tangled narrative of a Steinbeck novel or the imagery of a John Ford film, and confirms Calexico as one of the great American bands of the 21st Century.
Calexico’s most recent full-length, Carried To Dust, received the following critical praise: Music of emotional power and beauty…it richly rewards repeat listening. (Pitchfork.com, 8.3 rating)
Calexico arrives as multiple bands on its new album… At its best, it’s all of them at once, eerie and poetic as it straddles more than one border. (The New York Times)
Carried To Dust‘s songs travel a trail that seems carved out of ancient echoes. (Spin Magazine)
A beauty from start to finish. (Paste Magazine)
Joey Burns – vocals, guitar
John Convertino – drums, percussion
Paul Niehaus – pedal steel, guitar
Jacob Valenzuela – keys, trumpet, vibes
Michael Carbajal – trumpet
Sergio Mendoza – accordion, guitar, synthesizers, trumpet, vibes
Chris Giambelluca – bass
There’s always been intrigue and adventure at the heart of Calexico. Ever since they were a largely instrumental duo experimenting with their unique collection of instruments and soundtrack sensibilities, Joey Burns and John Convertino have constantly imbued their music with an unparalleled sense of drama, calling upon the myths and iconography of the American West and its Spanish speaking neighbor Mexico, equal parts Sergio Leone, Larry McMurtry, Carlos Fuentes and Cormac McCarthy. Naming themselves after a town near the California/Mexico border in honor of this cultural mélange, they’ve spent the eighteen years since they met in Los Angeles mapping out musical territory that had otherwise been neglected or at the very least considered the preserve of historians. Now, with Carried To Dust, they have defined that sound, calling upon almost two decades of exploration and an ensemble of musicians that must surely be the envy of bands throughout the world.
Carried To Dust represents the pinnacle of their achievement, a thrilling and moving journey through a landscape that draws upon the modern world as much as it does the decayed reminders of times past, stumbling upon unexpected delights whilst always moving forward with a pioneering sense of purpose. It presents a vivid picture of a world in which listeners can immerse themselves much as one is caught up in the tangled narrative of a Steinbeck novel or the imagery of a John Ford film, and confirms Calexico as one of the great American bands of the 21st Century.
Calexico’s most recent full-length, Carried To Dust, received the following critical praise: Music of emotional power and beauty…it richly rewards repeat listening. (Pitchfork.com, 8.3 rating)
Calexico arrives as multiple bands on its new album… At its best, it’s all of them at once, eerie and poetic as it straddles more than one border. (The New York Times)
Carried To Dust‘s songs travel a trail that seems carved out of ancient echoes. (Spin Magazine)
A beauty from start to finish. (Paste Magazine)
Joey Burns – vocals, guitar
John Convertino – drums, percussion
Paul Niehaus – pedal steel, guitar
Jacob Valenzuela – keys, trumpet, vibes
Michael Carbajal – trumpet
Sergio Mendoza – accordion, guitar, synthesizers, trumpet, vibes
Chris Giambelluca – bass
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