One of the blessings of the CD-era is the ability to skip less-favorable songs. With this album you don't need to. From start to finish, this is a billiant tour of the song-writing talent of Raul Malo. Highlights include the the subtly deceiving Latin sounds of "Dance the Night Away" and the misty-eyed nostalgia of "To Be With You." The old-time Gospel sound of "Save a Prayer" will get your feet tapping, and the mellow, soothing sounds of "Dream River" is a perfect way to end a fantastic album.

The Mavericks once again showcase their extraordinary music talent. Upbeat "Dance The Night Away" makes this album worth getting. "I Should Know", "Someone Should Tell her", "I've Got This Feeling", "I Hope You Want Me Too" and "Melbourne Mambo" are excellent tunes. These songs are comprised of many instruments including: trombone, trumpet, saxophone, keyboard, bass and lead guitar, drums, etc.. The Mavericks separate themselves from, well, everybody because they have a deep range of instruments. If you're as discouraged as I with bands that work with nothing but guitars and a set of drums, this album is just what you need.

I first became interested in The Mavericks when I saw the music video for the song "Dance tht Night Away", so I searched for the disc that contained that song, which led me to "Tramploine". I must say, I was extremely happy when I heard the other songs on the CD as well. Of course, "Dance the Night Waay" is my favorite, but "I Should Know", "Someone Should Tell Her", and "I've Got This Feeling" are good, too. Raul Malo's strong voice really makes this CD enjoyable to listen to, and the insturmentals from the other band members are first-rate. I highly recommend this great CD. Listen and find out what makes The Mavericks one of the best country groups around.

Raul Malo is a gifted, powerful vocalist and musician and the Mavericks have always been a showcase for his talents so it's not surprising that the group eventually disbanded. During their tenure, the Mavericks released several wonderful albums and I love them all. However, 1998's TRAMPOLINE revitalized the band's stylistic fusion of power pop, country-rock, honky-tonk and Latin music. TRAMPOLINE is absolutely the least "country" album the band has ever recorded, but it's the uniqueness of the sound that makes it such a mesmerizing work. Throughout the CD, we're offered morsels of everything from sitar to horns, from the Beatles to Sinatra, from up-tempo dance tunes to slow sultry ballads. The standout track for me "I've Got This Feeling" although "Dance The Night Away," "Fool #1,"To Be With You," "Dream River" and "Tell Me Why" are also favorites.

I absolutely love this album! Rather than describing each song, I'll just state my favorites and share something different. I think Fool #1, Delores, and Melbourne Mambo are the great ones, but the best? It's "Dance the Night Away!" Whereas I could put away other songs after repeated playing, this cannot be said of that song. Such a simple melody, but the execution is impeccable! It's definitely gets constant airplay at home and in the car. And now for something else...

Yes, finally a country group breaking from the restrictive confines of the Nashville Music Business!! Actually, Music Row did not mind the Mavericks' album going into new forays of different music -- they do commission some artists to do this and remain a "country" artist or group. It was country radio that rejected the Mavericks almost unilaterally. Only at progressive or "National Public Radio" stations like the one here in Detroit plays tracks from "Trampoline."

For me, proof of this statement came when, on July 24, 1997, me and my wife saw The Mavericks live at the Meadowbrook Theater in the suburb of Detroit and they were promoting "Trampoline," of which I had yet to listen to prior to the concert. They were supported by BR-549 which also had a brand new album out and did an excellent job getting the fans going. As for the fans, the amplitheater was only half-filled for the reasons I mentioned above.

Nearly the first thing Raul said when he came out on stage was that BR-549 had more airplay with their new CD than The Mavericks did for theirs and then he clapped for them. Obviously, this was a sad indicator that popular country radio was not going to play the "hits" from this album or much of anything else they recorded since for that matter. Regardless, the Mavericks put on one hell of a show! The began with "Dance the Night Away," did a medley of Fool #1 with Blue Moon (Wow!). I seem to recall the "buzz" I felt hearing "Dance" for the first time -- and live! Later, Raul called for the fans to come down from the lawn seats down to the pavillion and dance by the stage to "Save A Prayer," I believe. When he saw the theater employees tell the fans to go back to their original places, Rual stopped the band and threatened they will pack it in if the fans were denied. The employees let them go and the concert went on! Great job, Raul. We all appreciate all the hard work you and the band did for us. The Mavericks are on hold for now, but I did hear Raul say in an interview on NPR radio in Detroit that there is a fair possibility they may reunite. Whether going solo or with a band, you are getting The Maverick's inspiration!

As for the CD, I better buy a couple of backup copies. The laser has burned holes in my CD from the constant playing!