Arts & Entertainment
 

El Rocodo keeps Latin music spicy

'Banda' members work to heal old scars, dispel rumors

By Carlos Doroteo
The Daily Cougar

When Banda El Recodo hit the Compaq Center last fall, its scintillating performance left ravenous fans yearning for more. Since then, Mexico's finest "banda" has released a new album titled Por Ti, and added a new member to the lineup, percussionist Noe Montaño. Following the success of its previous record No Me Sé Rajar, El Recodo's most recent work has once again landed in the Latin Billboard Top 10. Led in large part by smash hit single "Que Te Ruegue Quien Te Quiera," the album has enjoyed runaway success with a collection of arrangements infused with cumbia, swing jazz, ranchera and even Irish sounds.

With the Super Bowl in town Sunday, the pride of the state of Sinaloa decided to put an end to the long wait and hosted an electrifying after-party at the OK Corral. Throngs of partygoers swarmed the club, filling it to near capacity and commencing a long, steamy night of drinking, dancing and "banda" prancing.

With little room to spare on stage, the 18 members of El Recodo were undeterred in their signature display of knee-breaking moves, heart-aching choruses and beaming smiles. Vocalist "El Mimoso," described by one admirer as a "cute, cuddly teddy bear," won over the ladies with his charming looks while Alfonso "Poncho" Lizárraga drove fans crazy with his swivel-hip moves. The constant excitement of the show created a musician's haven, exemplified by the resonating instrument of what many consider Mexico's finest tuba player, El Jokoki.

After the concert, co-producer and clarinetist Joel Lizárraga took time to answer a few questions, including addressing his alleged romance with Mexican actress Angelica Vale. He denied such claims, saying they were rumors perpetuated by the media, and that he only considers Vale to be a friend. Joel Lizárraga wouldn't discuss specifics pertaining to the pending lawsuit filed against ex-vocalist Carlos Sarabia, who has publicly stated his intent to join the band of rival brother German Lizárraga. Joel Lizárraga wasn't pleased with the situation, but said each person is free to do as he or she desires.

The issues carrying over from the first Latin Grammys appear to be resolved, when record label Fonovisa asked many of its artists to boycott because of a perceived bias against Mexican regional music. Nevertheless, El Recodo won the award for Best Banda Performance "We have it proudly displayed at our offices in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, where it belongs," Joel Lizárraga said.

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