Vallejo!

Isn't it fun when old friends get together? Such was the case not long ago when I called up my friend Charnita and asked her if she was ready for a spur of the moment trip to take in a great band. Luckily, Charnita works like I do, she can appreciate a good spontaneous whim. And so it was, we loaded up in the car with camera in hand to take in a musical performace of some (old? I dont think that's the right word)  friends' in their band, Vallejo.

You have probably heard Vallejo here on my blog, and not even realized it. Their music can be played on my sidebar Playlist. Check 'em out!
The band is made up of  three brothers, AJ (vocals,guitar), Alexandro (drums) and Omar Vallejo(bass, vocals), as well as my highschool chum Bruce Castleberry on rhythm guitar & vocals and Jeff Hartsough a fairly newcomer to the band on bongos.

Vallejo's sound is very unique, I would call it Latin Funk, though not sure they would agree to that genre. They can harmonize like song birds. I guess after being together for over 15 years, it is natural for them. Their website describes them as " a striking blend of modern rock grooves, potent guitar work, Latin percussion and soulful lyrics has made VALLEJO one of the most popular bands to hail from Austin, Texas. Their music immediately hooks listeners right in, taking them on a roller-coaster ride of musical beats and expressions."

Vallejo is now located out of Austin, Texas, but recently made a trip through my town with a stop at the Iron Horse Cafe. It has been about 15 years since I last rocked out to a *live* Vallejo show, though they can often be heard playing out of my minivan CD player. LOL.

The guys still had it, haven't changed a bit ever after all these years (unlike me, why is that?). If anything, their voices have aged like fine wine,only getting better. They have an extensive road schedule, check it out, for I am quite certain that they will soon be playing a show near you! And if they aren't check out their website for all their music CD's and video's, so you can "VALLEJO" too.