Malo has spent his time since the Mavericks split up recording cover tunes – two albums worth. He released You’re Only Lonely and After Hours, which are dedicated to songs by folks like Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson and Roger Miller.

But now he’s releasing Lucky One, a full album of original tunes, and he’s backing it with a December tour. Dates start Dec. 2 at the Southgate House in Newport, Ky., and end Dec. 19-20 in Austin. He returns Jan. 17-24 for a stay on Delbert McClinton Sandy Beaches Cruise, departing from San Diego.

Malo’s voice has been compared to Roy Orbison, Frank Sinatra, George Jones and even Cuban singer Beny More. His solo career comes on the heels of a band that is Grammy award-winning and platinum certified.