Muchachito Bombo Infierno

by Evan C. Gutierrez
Muchachito, guitar player and vocalist of Muchachito Bombo Infierno, began his musical career in the streets. Passing time playing guitar for the people walking by, Muchachito met other street musicians from all over Spain and beyond, coloring his creative ideas and direction. His first group, Trimelon de Naranjus, was a reflection of these experiences, incorporating many of the musicians he'd met while busking. The band released two records, first in 1997 and again in 2000 before breaking up in 2001. Muchachito found himself performing solo in area bars. His optimistic message and lively solo performances were well received, and Muchachito was soon playing in clubs throughout Madrid, Burgos, and Palma de Mallorca. He began looking for musicians who might contribute to the new sound he was creating, which he called "rumboxing" (rhumba, swing, and combat). After reconnecting with ex-Trimelon Héctor Bellino (bass) and Tito Carlos (piano), Muchachito set out to put together a horn section, taking on Josué "Ciclon" Garcia (trumpet), Martin "Lusurius" Garcia (alto sax), David "El Nino" Carrasco (tenor sax), Oscar Bass (trombone), and Alberto "El Jaguar" Pérez Jordana (lead trumpet). Muchachito Bombo Infierno's lineup was completed by the curious addition of Santos de Veracruz, an illustrator and painter who completes a painting on-stage in the course of every concert. The band's debut disc, Vamos Que Nos Vamos, was released in November of 2004. In the year that followed the group performed over 80 concerts throughout Spain and beyond. Named Artistia Revelacion 2005 by Rolling Stone, the band sold 35,000 records from the stage. The Vamos Que Nos Vamos tour wrapped up in October of 2006, followed a few weeks later by the recording of their second album, Visto Lo Visto. The record's release was followed by more touring, beginning in June of 2007.