The Mavericks have been described as "Tex-Mex," "Roy Orbisan-esque" and "the most interesting band in the world." It is high praise for this genre-defying band that began in 1989 and recently reunited after an eight-year hiatus.

The Mavericks perform 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St, Allentown.

In a recent phone interview after a concert in Halifax, Canada, Robert Reynolds, the band's multi-instrumentalist, says, "I never would have thought that I'd be lucky enough to speak with someone about our band 24 years later."

To put it mildly, the band has gone through many phases: "The Grammy years, the dysfunction, the recovery," says Reynolds. "We've had so many different chapters."

The Mavericks began its career in the alternative scene and evolved to a neo-traditional country sound, producing four Top 40 country hits and being named Vocal Group of the Year in 1995 and 1996 by the Country Music Association.

The band defies genres.

"Early on, we were [in] a country genre," says Reynolds. "But we were bending it with uncommon aspects: Latin grooves, socially-conscious lyrics, Americana, horns and swing. We were so blended. It's OK if you don't set out to be 'different,' as long as you're genuine."

When asked about the group's eight-year stretch of down time, Reynolds replies, "We walked away eight years ago with an unspoken hiatus, to spend time with family or what have you. There were no harsh words, no negotiations.

"But when that happens, there's a lot of loss. We didn't know where everybody stood. And when you get that phone call [that says] 'Let's have dinner and talk about playing again,' it's a remarkable rebirth. Your soul lights up."

Old hurts had healed, says Reynolds. "We got into the studio almost immediately. We wanted it to be more golden, to put a cherry on top of this reunion."

When asked if playing together was difficult at that point, Reynolds responds, "Art doesn't sit on the shelf well. Some members of the band hadn't seen or even spoken to the others in years, so there was no contemporary context to start our first song.

"Luckily, we were not beholden to any genre boundaries and we fell into the Mavericks' groove. We had a good spirit of musicality. The new album sounded great to our ears."

The new album is aptly, if a bit ironically, named, "In Time."

When asked about the Mavericks' plans, Reynolds replies with enthusiasm, "We're winding down a year of touring and doing our final dates." In the meantime, they've been working on more new songs.

In January, the Mavericks perform on Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl, his 20th (and possibly final) cruise to the Virgin Islands. "It's a lark," says Reynolds. "What fun. I'm either poolside or onstage. There are great artists, and it's our reward for a busy year."

With a new album in the wings, 2014 promises to be busy, as well.

"We may start recording the next album early next year," says Reynolds.

"We're middle-aged in human years, but youthful in spirit," Reynolds says. "My favorite is when bands transcend trends -- those that play with passion. We are a band in the now."

Reynolds speaks highly of his fellow band members: "Every night onstage, non-verbally, we say to each other, 'I'm proud of you. I appreciate you, and I love you, man.' We play for each other every night."