POP MUSIC REVIEW : Good-Time Mix From All-Star Texas Tornados

There wasn’t a hint of slickness in the Texas Tornados’ show at the Coach House on Tuesday, except maybe Doug Sahm’s shiny brown gambler’s suit. The music and presentation were nothing but earthy and unpretentious as the veteran all-star foursome of Tex-Mex musicians opened a three-night run.

The only highfalutin’ concept one could conceivably attach to the Tornados would be a role as preservers of the Mexican folk tradition that’s a significant slice in the band’s many-flavored pie of roots-music styles. But Sahm, Freddy Fender, Augie Meyers and Flaco Jimenez, together with a sharp, three-man rhythm section, didn’t seem concerned with preserving anything except the good-time spirit that pervaded their easygoing, expertly played show.

Jimenez’s masterful, unpredictable but always playful flights on button accordion keyed that spirit and were crucial to establishing a sense of group cohesiveness: Whoever happened to be fronting the band (most often designated balladeer Fender) would always wind up hollering for another joyful Jimenez solo. These Tornados may not exactly blow you away, but it’s hard to imagine anybody walking away from this set without a smile.

The Texas Tornados also play tonight at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, Saturday at the Ventura Theatre in Ventura and Sunday at the Strand in Redondo Beach.