Duranguense

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Duranguense (also known as el pasito duranguense) is a genre of Mexican music. It is popular among the Mexican-American community in the United States.

1 History
2 Duranguense Artist
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] History

Duranguense literally refers to Durango, a state in northwestern Mexico. Duranguense musica is very popular in the U.S. now, but its popularity began in Chicago because a group of immigrants from Durango started a duranguense group called Patrulla 81; from there it started to expand into other states and Mexico. That is why Duranguense is entirely Mexican, as most bands have been founded by Mexican-American immigrants in the United States. Historians note that the main instruments used in duranguense music come from Durango like the tambora, saxophone, and trombone. Recent popular duranguense acts use synthesizers to carry the main melody.

Duranguense is closely related to the Mexican styles of banda and norteño. Although duranguense bands are also sometimes referred to as bandas, it is nevertheless different from banda. Duranguense has several differences that set it apart from the other genres. Duranguense music focuses on el tamborazo, which is the bass drum. The tempo is noticeably faster than banda or norteño. Duranguense is characterized by a heavy percussion line consisting of varied snare drum rolls. People unfamiliar with duranguense occasionally say it sounds rather like traditional circus music.

It was not until the 2000's that duranguense became as popular, if not more popular, as the norteño and banda genres. Grupo Montéz de Durango, one of the best-known duranguense bands, topped the Latin music charts around the nation. Their CD, De Durango a Chicago, was a best-seller and had been a top 10 music bestseller in Chicago on Amazon.com. Patrulla 81's hits ¿Cómo Pude Enamorarme de Ti? and No Aprendí a Olvidar were also hugely successful hits on regional Mexican radio stations.

In 2006 and 2007, many duranguense bands started to rise all over the Chicago area, touring in the US and selling their independently recorded albums and gaining local success. Some of these Chicago-born groups are Banda Real, Escándalo Musical, Banda Sierra de Durango, Ambición Musical and Banda Relajo.