Banda Sinaloense “El Recodo”: From Mazatlán to the World
Among all the rhythms, genres, and musical cultures that have emerged in Mexico, wind music is one of the best expressions of the bold temperament of its people.
Cheerful and strong-willed, Cruz Lizárraga fell in love with the sound of the clarinet at the age of 19. He began performing in 1937 at both popular and high-society dances in Mazatlán until he formed his own band the following year, naming it El Recodo in homage to his small hometown. At that moment, no one suspected that Don Cruz Lizárraga had founded the tambora band that would have the greatest impact in the country and worldwide.
The beginnings for Don Cruz Lizárraga and his banda music were undoubtedly not easy. Formed in 1938, Banda El Recodo de Don Cruz Lizárraga adopted the sound of wind music while incorporating the musical style from the northern border brought by the so-called American "big bands." This combination was a success, as it rejuvenated the sound of traditional wind music. Sinaloan ensembles began reinterpreting both their own and others' songs, playing mambos, chachachas, pasos dobles, Rancheras, cumbias, or waltzes equally.
La Banda el Recodo de Don Cruz Lizárraga adopts the sound of wind music while incorporating the musical style from the northern border, which was brought by the so-called "big American bands."
Starting from the 1950s, in a period that lasted about 20 years, after touring Mexico, Don Cruz embarked on conquering the United States, where he achieved great success and recognition from the "big bands" and the general public. The first major step had been taken; nothing would now stop what is known today as "The Mother of All Bands," Banda El Recodo de Don Cruz Lizárraga.
After several decades of success, seeking fame in Mexico and the United States, the group began seeking internationalization in Europe. Fame was achieved over the years, and today the facts demonstrate it, as El Recodo is the most recognized and respected band worldwide.
Don Cruz Lizárraga's dream was to showcase his musical proposal in Europe, and once his first tour on that continent was planned, his wishes were thwarted due to an illness that made the trip impossible.
Unfortunately, this illness cost him his life, and he passed away on June 17, 1995, while his band was in Europe, leading to the suspension of the tour for a couple of days for his son, Alfonso Lizárraga, to attend the funeral. He immediately returned to continue fulfilling the commitments, as Poncho aspired to fulfill his father's dream that "band music be heard in every corner of the earth"... A dream that over the years continues to come true as Don Cruz Lizárraga had envisioned.
Undoubtedly, Don Cruz Lizárraga's funeral was the most attended in the history of Mazatlán. Thousands of people took to the streets to accompany the Lizárraga family to all the funeral events until Don Cruz reached his final resting place in the Renacimiento cemetery, where his remains rest today.
Did you know?
The Germans not only left their mark on the port in the commercial realm but also in the cultural aspect, bringing with them their music, which would ultimately transform into the Sinaloan bands we know today.
Did you know?
Don Cruz Lizárraga has a sound-equipped monument in the roundabout on the street that bears his name. This stands as a testament to the deep affection the people of Mazatlán have for the father of all bands.
