Calexico may seem like an odd choice to play a folk festival, but Calexico does play folk music — just not typically American folk music. In an interview with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen, Calexico's Joey Burns says he isn't sure why he's attracted to the music he loves, especially for a guy from Tucson, Ariz. Burns says it ultimately comes down to loving what he calls the "minor blues."
With eclectic tastes in Portuguese fado, American Southwest folk music, jazz, country and rock, Calexico played a cinematic set to the Newport Folk Festival crowd. And to confirm the hopes of anyone who knew he'd played the day before, Jim James of My Morning Jacket joined Calexico on stage for "Goin' to Acapulco," the song they performed in the Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There.
Formed in 1990 by Joey Burns and John Convertino, Calexico is an eclectic roots-rock band steeped in unexpected traditions. In the past, Calexico has been known for its lush arrangements, but recent collaborations with Iron & Wine and Wilco have put it into more accessible territory. In September, the band releases its seventh album, Carried to Dust.
Copyright 2008 WFUV