Patrulla 81

Duranguense pioneers Patrulla 81 formed in their home state of Durango in 1981. Their signature sound came partially unintentionally, incorporating melodeon (a small breath-controlled keyboard instrument) instead of electric keyboard because keyboard's proved too expensive. Their alternative take on the usual instrumentation can be heard on early recordings such as "Ojitos," "El Lirio" and "Las Called de Chihuahua." The regional success of these recordings afforded the band the opportunity to perform all over Durango, but seldom outside that state. Traveling to Juarez City in hopes of widening the group's influence, bandmember Jose Angel Medina formed a strong relationship with Ismael Dominguez, programmer for the popular Radio Canon. Patrulla's song "Tu Mirada" was put on heavy rotation, earning the band their first hit. Subsequently, they were able to tour Mexico and the States, Patrulla 81 was courted by the Garmex label, who soon released the group's debut record No Aprendi A Olvidar. Recording and performing live for years, the band made a breakthrough in 2004 with their live disc En Vivo Desde Dallas, Texas which reached number four on Billboard's Regional Mexican charts. Other accomplishments in 2004 include the band's participation in the popular documentary film Le Verdadera Historia de la Musica Duranguense, and performances in L.A., Denver and genre capital Chicago. Patrulla 81 was named "La Revelacion del Ano" at that year's Premios Que Buena. They have since remained a fixture in the Regional Mexican genre and on charts throughout the States and Mexico. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide