They've become known as frequent collaborators, recording Sing Along With Los Straitjackets with a number of different artists. In 2005, Lester left and was replaced by Jason Smay. In 1998, Esbeck left the band during the recording of The Velvet Touch of Los Straitjackets and was replaced by Pete Curry.
Amis is the only member who speaks, introducing songs in fast, badly accented Spanish. When performing live, band members all dress alike, wearing black clothing, gold medallions, and Mexican wrestling masks. Over the next few years, the band developed a cult following through its tight instrumentation and gimmicky stage shows. Their first album, The Utterly Fantastic and Totally Unbelievable Sound of Los Straitjackets, was released the following year on Upstart Records. In 1994, they reformed as Los Straitjackets, adding bass player Scott Esbeck. They played several gigs during the summer of that year, but soon broke up. They use DiPinto guitars.Īngel, Amis and Jimmy Lester formed The Straitjackets in 1988 in Nashville. Members include guitarists Eddie Angel and Danny Amis, bassist Pete Curry, and drummer Jason Smay. Los Straitjackets is a Nashville based band known primarily for performing instrumental surf music.
