The Plateros to play Santa Fe festival
By Jan-Mikael Patterson
Navajo Times
E-mail this story
(Courtesy photo)
The Plateros, from Tohajiilee, N.M., play the blues from the band's own repertoire. Band members are, left to right, Douglas Platero (drums), Levi Platero (guitar/vocals) and Murphy Platero (bass/vocals).
When blues guitarist Levi Platero, 16, takes the stage, he brings with him a host of the greatest names in blues - Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters - as well as hints of modern artists such Mato Nanji and Los Lonely Boys.
But Platero says his biggest inspiration and influence comes from home.
"The influence really comes from my dad," he said in a recent telephone interview with the Navajo Times. "He is my inspiration."
Platero handles vocals and guitar for the Plateros, a blues trio scheduled to play this weekend at the Native Roots & Rhythms festival in Santa Fe.
Levi's father, Murphy Platero, 45, sings and plays bass, and cousin Douglas Platero, 24, is on drums. All are originally from T—hajiilee Chapter.
The family's music is rooted in gospel music, a natural outgrowth of their Christian faith, and they continue to perform gospel as well as blues.
But Levi said his heart is in the blues.
He first picked up the guitar in December 2004, said his father, and is largely self-taught. He would sift through guitar magazines to learn the playing style of the late Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Though only 12, Levi progressed so fast and showed such talent that his father could not help but take notice.
"He just got really into the guitar, really got inspired to play," Murphy recalled.
Then one day Levi and his cousin Douglas decided to sit down together and play.
"It just kicked it off from there," Murphy said. "Doug had been playing since he was 7 or 8 years old. I've been playing most of my life in church with my dad."
The three got together at the family home and began playing together informally, and from there studied Stevie Ray Vaughn and Los Lonely Boys, in particular, because that was the music they loved.
What began as a jam session led to live performances, including an appearance at Stage 49 at the 2004 Gathering of Nations Powwow that was set up by Litefoot, the Cherokee actor and hip-hop artist.
Demand spread by word-of-mouth and the band found itself with more and more work, Murphy said.
"We were starting to constantly travel," he noted.
At the same time, Murphy said, he does not lose sight of the fact that Levi, though he performs onstage like a seasoned pro, is still a kid.
"He's just a child," Murphy said. "He likes to hang out with his friends, play video games and get into trouble. When we've been on the road for a while, sometimes he would tell me, 'Dad, I just want to go home.'"
The Platero family now resides in Albuquerque, where Murphy owns and operates CPR Music Group, which specializes in Native American gospel music. Levi is a junior at West Mesa High, his father's alma mater.
The band has two recordings that are always on sale at their live shows.
The Plateros are scheduled to perform Friday at the 14th Annual Native Roots & Rhythms festival, which takes place Aug. 22 to 23 at the Paolo Soleri Amphitheater (1501 Cerrillos Rd.) in Santa Fe.
Gates open at 4 p.m. and tickets are $15 per person, free for children 12 and under (free admission limited to two kids per paying adult.)
Information: www.myspace.com/theplateros and www.myspace.com/nativerootsandrhythms.
Comment on this story!
25 comments so far (post your own)Its so nice to see this, im going to make it to there nexts concert in Navajo Country. I heard they were very good.
yep i have to say that Levi and his family band is awesome seen them a few times and every time they get better and better, levi is my guitar hero.
Keep jammin lil brother, you makin us pround to be natives.
Oh yea i have all the cds they made, and everyone of them is awesome!!!
Father figure...Mr. Platero would have done an outstanding job. I wish thousands of our dads out there would do the same...love and teach their children.
Made a type'ooo mistake here...got too excited.
Meant to say: "Mr. Platero did an outstanding job...."
The more i read up on this article...you all got me tempted to buying their CD. So this weekend i will have to look for the nearest flea market stand and buy one. By the posting from everybody, hey...what the heck, i'll buy two (one for my sisters), but again, i too, would like to check them out live.
Father figure...Mr. Platero would have done an outstanding job. I wish thousands of our dads out there would do the same...love and teach their children.
I LOVE YOUR MUSIC, WISH I COULD SEE YOU GUYS LIVE AGAIN, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO A CONCERT FOR NAVAJO NATION ?
Later and God Bless.
Me and my family went to check out this show friday night here in Santa Fe, cuz we saw it on the news paper, and man!!! we were blow away by Levi and his family band, just 3 guys but damm they can play! I was in total shock that young levi was only 16yrs old, he is amazing guitar player. I wish you guys the best,you will be in our prayers, luv you guys.
great band, amazing guitar talent that Levi dude...keep it up
The Plateros are amazing band.
AMAZING SHOW IN SANTA FE FRIDAY NIGHT !!!! IM PROUD TO SAY I MEANT THEM AND HAVE TO SAY THEY GAVE US AN AWESOME PERFORMANCE LEVI AND HIS FAMILY IS A BLESSIN TO OUR NATIVE PEOPLE OF NEW MEXICO.
Murphy is down to earth and love the lord and that's what i like the most about them we were honored to have them stay with us in Tulalip Washington where they were performing at a Tent meeting i think it's awesome they perform at Tent meetings as well as big venues. I pray the Lord will bless them with success and prosperity!!
My name is K.C. Guest and I produce a hit "POLITICAL ROCK" TV show called the W.V. We have hosted over 100 bands and none of them out perform the "PLATEROS" Levi is truely blessed with talent. We plan on giving the "PLATEROS" a nomination for the "2008" best of show.
TWO THUMB UP
It's amazing to see our young native men have positive male role models as their father. I've been listening to your family sing since I was a little girl, my grandmother always took us to Tuba City Revival to hear your group sing. Thank your for being in my family's spiritual memories, this story brought back all those memories. God bless your path, your supporters and every small decision that matters along the way.
To Whom I Concerns:
As of 2001, while living on the reservation was curious to what or if the council or police dept. knows or acknowledges illegal immigrants on the Navajo Reservation. As word throughout Arizona jails and prisons have crime and illegal activity such as robberies of private and public property are easily done throughout the rez and can live the forest for shelter. Is the Navajo Rez more livable as Mexico?
I have heard these guys and they are good. I am a minister that grew up on Country, Rock an Roll, an Blues. When I began to hear of Gospel Blues pickers I began to buy their albums with great joy. I use Country, Rock an Roll, and Blues in church. I founded Indian Nations Ministries Inc. in Anadarko Oklahoma. We also have a big Pow Wow Drum right in the middle of the stage. You want to hear something kool, try that with your regular music. Its awesome.
MY FRIENDZ R GOING TO BE PLAYING TO ALL GIRLS BAND "THE RAIN FALL" THE NEW SONG IS "WHY DID U BROKE MY HEART" ITS A PUNK ROCK GIRL GROUP FEAT. SYKEZ I'M THERE MANAGER SO HIT ME UP
Outstanding Group. Such an honor to know them. Awsome Musicians
I have been watchin dem play for a while nw and i love there group i love hw levi can play the guitar really gud n hs father n cousin play there instruments gud too.They did really gud at the rockfest concert and i even gt a picture of them signed but i am a big fan of diz group!!!!!KEEP IT UP
I've been acquinted with this family since 2005 and it's been an awesome experience ever since that time. To see Levi at the age of 13 play with such skill, needless to say, I was awed for a few moments, I picked my lip off the floor and said WOW, oh my gosh, and that's how it's been. He is an inspiration to so many young kids across the land..keep up the great work Levi, and God Bless You.
Santa Fe is in for a treat. These guys have the family groove thing happening. And, Levi is a whiz kid on guitar ... check 'em out .... bring the family .... tell your friends .... show some love!
Jack Howell -- Producer/Engineer WilloDisc, Phoenix, AZ
These guys Rock!!!! They played at our 27th Annual Medicine Ways Gathering of Indigenous Nations event here at UC Riverside, Southern California. Look out for these guys cuz they are going to the top! Tiahui noiknimeh!"Move forward my brothers!" Can't wait to bring you guys back here to So Cal.
Congratulations on your nominations and we all are looking forward to your performance at the Awards Show in Albuquerque on September 20th!
i heard these guys in washington dc and they were awesome. Levi is a good guitarist who gave the audience a very good performance. keep up the good work and its good to see the talent of my navajo people.
i have their cd, sounds good.
Keep up the goot tunes bro!!
For awhile NT wrote about metal bands, very disguising music and lifestyle metal promotes, and I was beginning to disassociate myself with the paper. Now this comes along, nice article on family blues band and I love it. Oh yes, the article touching on Ricky Staggs and his devotion to bluegrass music was great, too.
The Platero family will go far...I'll buy their CDs.
That is wonderful boys, I'm happy that there are young navajos who are still into gospel and blues as well. For awhile there, all I had was music made by Razor Saltboy's Boys. They play good music too. I'll have find a way to get a hold of your music CD's. Keep up the good work,and "Stay Navajo" can't wait to get back to hear music.