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On
June 17, 1995, Don Cruz Lizarraga passed away-- but not without leaving
behind a musical legacy. Now five years later, he is still fondly remembered,
especially for his role as the founder of Banda El Recodo. In 1937, a 21-year-old
Don Cruz came to Mazatlán from the small town of El Recodo. He bought his
first clarinet and formed a band-- which he named after his hometown-- consisting
of trombones, clarinets, trumpets, a bass drum and a tuba. Banda El Recodo
is known as the master of ranchero, or "banda tambora," music: a combination
of Latin flavor and "oompah" tunes brought from the old country by German
immigrants at the turn of the century. |
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Before too long, Banda El Recodo was touring the U.S. and the world. Since
his death, Banda El Recodo has continued playing under the direction of
Don Cruz' son, Germán. But Don Cruz is long from forgotten. Every year on
the anniversary of his death, family, friends, fans and musicians visit
his grave and attend a memorial mass. Oftentimes, this celebration of Don
Cruz' life is commemorated by honorary concerts at the Teodoro Mariscal
baseball stadium by fellow musicians. And just last year a monument of Don
Cruz was unveiled at the intersection of Av. de los Deportes and Rio Fuerte,
near the Acuario (Aquarium). In the hearts of many and the music of Banda
El Recodo, Don Cruz lives on. |
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