Don Cruz Lizárraga

Clarinet player and bandleader Don Cruz Lizárraga was one of the originators of the banda tradition of Mexico. Together with his horn-dominated band La Banda El Recodo, Lizárraga brought the ranchera Cumbias, baladas, corridos, balades ritmica, boleros, and pasos dobles of Mexico to the international stage. Lizárraga's interests in music didn't surface until shortly after his 19th birthday when he began to teach himself to play the clarinet. Within a year, he had mastered the instrument and secured his father's permission to join a local tambora marching band. Lizárraga quickly rose to the position of band director. Moving to the city of Mazatlan, Lizárraga made his recording debut with two songs, "Contra Viento y Marea" and "Tierra De Valientes," recorded with a quintet. Shortly afterwards, he assembled the musicians for La Banda El Recodo, creating a classic lineup of two clarinets, two trumpets, two trombones, bass drum, and snare drum. Under Lizárraga's leadership, La Banda El Recodo soon built up an enthusiastic following. Signed by RCA Victor, the group recorded the first of more than 178 albums in 1940. Although they initially limited their performances to Mexico, with Lizárraga supplementing his income by working as a saddler, framer, hair cutter, and farmer, La Banda El Recodo began to extend their influence with frequent performances in the United States during the '50s and '60s. In addition to performing a wide variety of Mexican music, the group displayed their flexibility by incorporating classical pieces and rock tunes into their large repertoire. Lizárraga and La Banda El Recodo appeared in several films, including Contra Viento y Marea and Tierra De Valientes. Lizárraga remained active with La Banda El Recodo until 1995. A few days before the group...