Live From The Limo, Vol. 1
Supergroup live albums are rare things; rarer still are those that work strictly on musical terms, rather than star fascination. This first volume of Texas Tornados concert recordings surpasses expectations partly because, after nine years together, the Tornados are no longer anuber-collaboration but instead are a road-wizened ensemble. Part Texas bar-band deluxe (as on the shout-along "Hey Baby Kep-Pa-So"), part keepers of the conjunto flame (as onFlaco Jimenez's scale-scorching accordion showcase "La Múcura/A Mover el Bote"), the Tornados have developed a swaggering on-stage personality without ever devolving into Tex-Mex jam-band territory. Blending together performances from two December '98 shows in Austin, the album lacks the thrill of a single hot night on stage (some tracks fade in and out awkwardly) but compensates with fairly gutty song selection. Familiar Tornados tunes are matched with classics byFreddy Fender("Wasted Days") andSir Douglas("Mendocino"), plus a few surprises including a stirring waltz through "Eighteen Yellow Roses" and theGene Autrywarhorse "South of the Border." Jimenez, Fender, Doug Sahm, andAugie Meyersare backed by a faultless rhythm section, some R&B-style; horns, and, best of all, some savory pedal steel work, all of which helps to lift these performances above the mere rehash category.--Roy Kasten