Origin: Durango, Mexico

Decades: 1980's, 1990's, and 2000's

Duranguense pioneers Patrulla 81 formed in their home state of Durango in 1981. Their signature sound was unintentionally derived from the use of melodeon (a small breath-controlled keyboard instrument) instead of an electric keyboards, which proved too expensive for the group's budget. Their alternative take on the usual instrumentation can be heard on such early recordings as "Ojitos," "El Lirio" and "Las Called de Chihuahua." The regional success of these recordings afforded the band the opportunity to p... Read More