Arts & Entertainment

Los Straitjackets y Marshall Crenshaw rock Havana New Hope Aug. 24

Grammy-nominated guitar heroes Los Straitjackets will play Havana New Hope August 24  in support of their recently-released “What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and Los Straitjackets.”

Following three tours with Nick Lowe, the guitar combo couldn’t help but ask the question, “What would Nick Lowe’s songs sound like as instrumentals?”

Produced by Neil Brockbank, Nick Lowe’s producer and longtime collaborator, the band delves into 13 of Lowe’s best-loved songs with original arrangements.  The first single, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding,” premiered July 20, and the album is now available for pre-order.

The band is promoting the album on a co-headline tour with pop/rock legend Marshall Crenshaw, best known for his 1982 hit “Someday, Someway.”

Marshall Crenshaw.

“Recording these songs reminded me what a great melodist Nick is,” said guitarist and co-found Eddie Angel. “Everybody knows that he writes great lyrics, but he doesn’t always get credit for his amazing melodies. The fact that the songs stand up as instrumentals is proof of that.”

Their latest album also features longstanding Lowe band member Geraint Watkins on keyboards, the recording debut of Royston Lowe on percussion, and a vocal cameo by Lowe himself on an undisclosed track.

Over 20 years ago, the Nashville-bred band—Danny Amis (guitar), Eddie Angel (guitar), Greg Townson (guitar), Pete Curry (bass) and Chris Sprague (drums, percussion)—first donned their easily recognizable attire of lucha libre masks. Since then, the group has released 15 studio albums, two live albums, and toured the world with El Vez, Dave Alvin, The Reverend Horton Heat, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Big Sandy, and Nick Lowe.

Their latest album also features longstanding Lowe band member Geraint Watkins on keyboards, the recording debut of Royston Lowe on percussion, and a vocal cameo by Lowe himself on an undisclosed track.

Founding Straitjackets members were from the Raybeats, and while the group has broken up and reformed a couple of times, they continue to attract top talent and a cult following.

Marshall Crenshaw y Los Straitjackets will appear at Havana New Hope on Thursday, Aug. 24, at 8 p.m. (doors 6 p.m.). Limited reserved tables, bar and loft chairs are available, and tickets can be purchased online.

Save

Save

About the author

Staff

Leave a Comment