This was the band in which ex-
Sonora Ponceña sidemen -- like trumpet player/bandleader
Joe Rodriguez, lead vocalist
Tito Gomez, bongo player/composer Francisco "Chalina" Alvarado, arranger Tito Valentín, and timbalero player Mikey Ortiz -- decided to join forces and create a new band. They shied away from their former band's style (at the time) and settled for different instrumentation (a two trumpet/trombone/baritone sax lineup) and simple, rootsy songs. "Acere Trumboro," "Hachero Mayor," and "Vicente Camarón" are quite a gas, although the band was still in search of greater public acceptance. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr.