What can we expect when Joey Burns and John Convertino, the duet behind the lo-fi, mariachi-esque outfit Calexico, are given free license to apply their style to Sam Beam's (also known as Iron & Wine) shy acoustics? The partnership, which will perform music at Detroit's Majestic Theater this Saturday, consist of a set of unreleased Iron & Wine tracks that Calexico and a handful of other artists molded into something very different from the music that he usually constructs. Thankfully, Beam's melancholy voice and thoughtful lyricism remain.

Calexico has been very successful on its own; Burns and Convertino have also worked as part of Friends of Dean Martinez. The duo constantly looks for new musical ventures and experiences. Burns feels side projects and collaborations are just as important and rewarding as their solo albums.

"I think all the music projects that we've been able to formulate are great, and if we're doing our own stuff or helping out others, it's all part of the whole, and that to me is equally rewarding," Burns said. "I love helping out other people. You learn so much more about yourself, and it's a great gift, in return, to give an accompanying role - 'cause you realize just how important it is to have a strong foundation of rhythm sections or overdubs."

On In the Reins, Beam sought to present his music with a new dimension and wanted a foreign sound to back up his lyrics. Beam's incredible sense of comfort in his own style, combined with exciting new ideas, made the recording sessions smooth and entertaining. Beam was hands-off with Calexico, which allowed them to bring in many musicians who support the duo with blaring trumpets and slide guitar. On the title track, "He Lays in the Reins," Calexico brought in the latest addition to their diverse ensemble, Salvador Diaz, to complement Beam's singing with a verse in Spanish.

"We tried stuff that was different for both of us," Burns said. "I think everyone in the band (wanted) to help out, and we understood from Sam that he didn't want to make his normal sound. We saw that he was comfortable with it, and it opened the floodgates."

The musicians Calexico brings in for recordings adds not only to the dimension and depth on In the Reins, but also to their own recordings. In live performances, they reconstructe this instrumentation as they bring along accordions, trumpets and personal soundmen.

Saturday's concert Detroit will comprise of three different sets. Iron & Wine and Calexico will each play a solo set; then, they'll conclude together with a collection of covers and tracks from In the Reins. The music changes throughout the show due to the diversity of sets, yet it retains a degree of consistency.

"There is always a group mentality, and ours is - kind of eclectic, and I think that is where we thrive," Burns said. "That aesthetic eclecticism is very important to us. We bring this similar way of looking at music and the aesthetic behind it, and while stylistically it may change radically, it still is a continuing thread."