Although the members of Los Lonely Boys weren’t around to witness the year 1969 firsthand, the fine music of that year maintains a profound effect on the band’s musical outlook. Los Lonely Boys’ latest outing, a 5-song EP succinctly titled, “1969,” pays fitting homage to a year and music that continues to influence Los Lonely Boys to this day.

On “1969,” Los Lonely Boys perform “Evil Ways” by Santana, “Well All Right” by Blind Faith (originally done by Buddy Holly), “She Came in through the Bathroom Window” by the Beatles (also done by Joe Cocker in 1969), “Polk Salad Annie” by Tony Joe White, and “Roadhouse Blues” by the Doors.

It’s not surprising that the three brothers who comprise Los Lonely Boys are so enthralled by the classic rock of 40 years ago, as they grew up in Texas surrounded by all types of music. The brothers’ father, Ringo Garza, Sr., played in a Tex/Mex conjunto group. As teenagers, the three brothers joined him in a band.

The brothers, which consist of Henry Garza on guitar, JoJo Garza on bass, and Ringo Garza on drums, later formed Los Lonely Boys and released their major label debut (on Epic Records) in 2004. This yielded the hit song, “Heaven,” which also won a Grammy for “Best Pop Performance.”

Los Lonely Boys have since released two more studio albums after this heady beginning, on which they’ve progressively perfected their sound, consisting of an invigorating brew of rock, blues, and soul (and occasionally country), coated with a veneer of Tex-Mex. “1969” is the group’s first outing for the Austin, Texas-based Playing in Traffic Records.

The band takes a reverent approach to the music on “1969,” sticking basically to the same arrangements as the originals, with one major difference: the songs all showcase the thrilling, expert guitar work of Henry Garza, who is rapidly becoming one of the best guitarists on the music scene today.

On Santana’s “Evil Ways,” Henry dazzles with some sizzling wah-wah and sterling guitar licks. His playing is highly influenced by Jimi Hendrix as well as blues/rock maestro Stevie Ray Vaughan. Surely, though, Henry Garza is forging his own signature sound, as heard throughout “1969.”

Henry also does an excellent job as lead vocalist for Los Lonely Boys, with fine harmonies added by JoJo Garza. Los Lonely Boys take “Well All Right,” first recorded by Buddy Holly in the 1950s and covered by Blind Faith in 1969, at a relaxed, laid-back pace; perhaps too laid-back, as the song could use some added stimulation.

The band shines on Tony Joe White’s swamp-rock classic, “Polk Salad Annie,” with the alligator once again doing its “chomp, chomp.” The rhythm section of JoJo Garza’s bass and Ringo Garza’s drums lay down a muscular groove here, and Henry’s guitar work impresses as usual.

Although “1969” only contains five songs, it functions as a strong reminder that Los Lonely Boys is a band to keep an eye (and ear) on.

David Gonzales writes on music and lives and works in the San Francisco Bay area.