THE MAVERICKS

Formed: 1990, Miami, Florida

Members: Paul Deakin, drums (born Miami, Florida, 2 September 1959); Nicholas Kane, guitar (born Jerusalem, Georgia, 21 August 1954); Raul Malo, vocals, guitar (born Miami, Florida, 7 August 1965); Robert Reynolds, bass (born Kansas City, Missouri, 30 April 1962). Former member: David Lee Holt, guitar.

Genre: Country

Best-selling album since 1990: What a Crying Shame (1994)

Hit songs since 1990: "O What a Thrill," "There Goes My Heart"

A popular band led by expressive vocalist Raul Malo, the Mavericks were an anomaly in 1990s country. Never as smooth sounding as the more commercially successful group Lonestar, the Mavericks pioneered a highly individualistic style that drew upon traditional country instrumentation of guitar, drums, and fiddles. Malo, a distinctive and engaging singer, brought an additional perspective to the group through his Cuban-American heritage. On ballads, he combined the lush vocalizing of 1950s Cuban balladeers such as Beny Moré with the dramatic style of 1960s pop and rock crooner Roy Orbison. Backing Malo with tight, rhythmically precise playing, the group's members created an explosive yet warm sound.

The Mavericks formed in Miami, Florida, after Malo, a longtime country fan, met bassist Robert Reynolds, who shared his fondness for classic country vocalists such as Patsy Cline and Orbison. After Reynolds recruited the talents of his best friend, drummer Paul Deakin, the group began playing rock clubs in the Miami area. In 1990 the band released its independently financed debut album, which received substantial local airplay in Florida before attracting the notice of several record companies in the country capital of Nashville, Tennessee. Signing with MCA Records in 1991, the group issued its first major-label release, From Hell to Paradise, the next year. A rich collection distinguished by Malo's keening tenor, the album mines country tradition with exciting results. On "This Broken Heart," a lustrous ballad complete with lonesome-sounding steel pedal guitar, Malo draws out his vocal lines in the languid style of Orbison, while the high, emotional catch in his voice recalls Moré and other Cuban balladeers. The title track, featuring several lyrics sung in Spanish, is a biting, angry critique of the Cuban revolution and the repressive government of postrevolutionary leader Fidel Castro. Overall, From Hell to Paradise established the Mavericks as a unique, uncompromising force in contemporary country.

In 1994 the group achieved its biggest commercial success with What a Crying Shame, which featured minor country hits such as "There Goes My Heart" and the title track. Lacking From Hell to Paradise 's energetic spark, the album nonetheless veers comfortably between swinging, up-tempo numbers and rock-influenced ballads such as "All That Heaven Will Allow," originally recorded by Bruce Springsteen.

The album's follow-up, Music for All Occasions (1995), combines the group's country orientation with a nostalgic penchant for 1950s pop music. "Foolish Heart," for example, features a catchy, galloping rhythmic hook as well as sugary backup vocals reminiscent of 1950s and 1960s country-pop stalwarts, the Anita Kerr Singers. While enjoyable, most critics agree the album's kitschy affability lacks the depth of its predecessors. After singing lead on a further album, Trampoline (1998), Malo began pursuing a solo career while remaining part of the group. Although the Mavericks did not officially disband, the group had become largely inactive by the early 2000s.

The Mavericks emboldened 1990s country with a mixture of 1950s-styled pop, rock, and Cuban balladry. Benefiting from the sparkling lead vocals of Malo, the group enjoyed a brief chart run during the mid-1990s, defying the slick trend in commercial country radio with a captivating, persuasive sound.

SELECTIVE DISCOGRAPHY:

Mavericks (Y&T, 1990); From Hell to Paradise (MCA, 1992); What a Crying Shame (MCA, 1994); Music for All Occasions (MCA, 1995); Trampoline (MCA, 1998); It's Now! It's Live (MCA, 1998).

david freeland