Ok, I know that Vallejo is technically from Austin, but Austin is closeby and they play in San Antonio a lot. They are playing here at Jack's tonight and tomorrow. They will also be at Jack's Monday, May 2 and at Sam's Burger Joint Saturday, May 14.I have not yet seen Vallejo perform, but I plan to go see them at Sam's on the 14th, so I will post a review then if all goes well. I did, however, listen to some of their music on their website. (You can find audio and video samples under "extras.") On the first 4 videos, the sound quality was poor, so I couldn't really judge, but the fifth one, a clip from Local Licks Live, sounded great! Vallejo describes themselves on their website as "striking blend of modern rock grooves, potent guitar work, Latin percussion and soulful lyrics."
Vallejo was formed in 1990 by three brothers, A.J., Alejandro and Omar and later added James "Diego" Simmons and Heath Clark. The group moved to Austin in 1995 and was voted the city's best rock band of 2000. They have toured with such bands as Matchbox 20, Fuel and Stone Temple Pilots. Their song "Rock Americano" was featured on MTV's "Real World" and "The Inferno". They have put out 8 albums and are working on their ninth, which they say promises to be the "ultimate Vallejo album."
From a review on austinlive.com from 2001: "Vallejo doesn't just do a gig - they perform an incredible, high voltage, Latin inspired hip-hop funk rock show that leaves the audience exhausted from the nonstop energy."
From a review of Stereo on AustinExperience.com: "Vallejo has a special talent for writing rock songs that no only get people's heads bobbing, but infects their entire body. Listen to Downtown or Rock Americano and see if you can really resist the urge to shake your rump."
I, as I said, plan to go check them out at Sam's. Sounds like a fun experience. Plus I believe they are playing with Del Castillo, another Latin rock band from Austin. (I am in the process of verifying this, as I don't see the date listed on Del Castillo's website.) I remember Rick del Castillo from waaaay back when he used to play with a band called Bad Habit and haven't seen him perform in years. He was an awesome guitarist back then and I can imagine he's only gotten better.
ADDED NOTE: I just got confirmation from Del Castillo that they will indeed be playing at Sam's Burger Joint on the 14th.
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