Thanks to Wolfgang's Vault for this high quality audio/video gem!  A snapshot in time of one of my very favorite bands ever........I know I've seen them 15 times.  And as usual, they're in the middle of an extensive U.S. tour.  Los Lobos started playing restaurants and backyard parties in East L.A. in 1973.  In 1984, saxophonist Steve Berlin left another L.A. band, The Blasters, to join Los Lobos.  That same year, Los Lobos issued it's first full length, major label release, How Will The Wolf Survive, produced by Berlin and T-Bone Burnett.  Los Lobos still plays many of the tunes featured here in their live shows to this day.  This video captures an early incarnation of Los Lobos, with original drummer Louie Perez.  I'm guessing it was 1990 or '91 when Perez switched to acoustic rhythm guitar and the band replaced him with both a drummer and a percussionist.  Perez is also one of Los Lobos' main songwriters.  I'm assuming The Ritz, where this show was recorded, is the long-running club in downtown San Jose, CA (there also is, or was, a Ritz somewhere in Texas). 

The trademark of Los Lobos' sound is the stunning variety of styles that these guys can play, and play well.  Watch this entire 58 minute set and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.  Accordian used in a rock and roll band?  Huh?  Sorry man, it sounds GREAT.  Of all the shows I've seen, the most jaw-dropping was at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, CA, I'm guessing maybe 2012.  They opened with a completely stunning and completely lovely one hour acoustic set consisting of nothing but Mexican love songs.  Then they took a break, picked up their electric instruments, and rocked the crowd for another 45 minutes.   ENJOY!