Los Padrinos began as an idea born from a love for Tex-Mex music. Martin and Juan met through a previous band that was very active in the "Tejano" music scene around San Antonio, Tx. They both shared a love for traditional conjunto of South Texas and Northern Mexico. After Juan left that band, he decided to take up the Bajo Sexto (the traditional rhythm guitar used in that style of music) and write songs. During a hiatus from playing, Martin and Juan would meet and just play the old songs (las viejitas)- and from there developed the interest in recording a CD of traditional and original music - "Fe, Familia, y Tradicion" was born.
Forming a new group was not part of their plans until they got a call to perform, (someone heard their music on KEDA radio in San Antonio) - at that point they had to scramble to get a group together (with no practice time in between!) Needless to say it was a pretty rough start to their conjunto career!
Since then, the group has formed quite a unit since their debut in January of 2005. Their past experience in playing in front of large crowds has helped them to bring a sense of "familia" to those who listen. Since that time they have entertained (and even educated) people with their traditional sound.
Los Padrinos released their second album entitled Puro Gallo which has been well received by conjunto-lovers nationwide. They have been asked to perform their traditional style with artists like Flaco Jimenez, Mingo Saldivar, Los Dos Gilbertos, La Mafia, Los Palominos, Ram Herrera, Santiago Jimenez Jr., and the Tex-Maniacs.
With the release of this album have come requests to perform their style of music in many different venues. Puro Gallo also initiated the relationship between Chicano artist Joe L. Lopez "El Gallista" and Los Padrinos.
The group also inlcudes Peter "El Prófe" Barrera on bass, and Juan "El Animal" Carrillo, on drums.
The strongest part of the group is their innate sense that faith and culture cannot be separated and that by knowing our roots we know who we are. A Los Padrinos performance is not about nostalgia, but about remembering where we come from. God bless you y que viva conjunto!