I first encountered Karmelo y Compañía through a YouTube recommendation. Their rendition of “El Testamento” appeared in my feed – that delightfully humorous dance song filled with “picardía” (playful double entendres) and catchy hooks where a man cheekily addresses all the women he’s leaving behind. I was immediately drawn to their performance, which combines a solid rhythm foundation with skillful melodic playing, chiming bell-like guitars, and driven B52 organ.
The Sound That Changed Mexican Music
To understand Karmelo y Compañía’s significance, one must first appreciate Rigo Tovar’s revolutionary impact on Mexican music. In the 1970s, Tovar emerged from Matamoros, Tamaulipas and transformed traditional cumbia by introducing electric guitars, synthesizers, and electric bass, creating a hybrid that appealed to audiences across social and geographic boundaries. His innovative approach forever altered the landscape of Mexican popular music.
Tovar’s popularity reached such extraordinary heights that by 1979, his concerts in Monterrey drew larger crowds than Pope John Paul II’s visit. His distinctive image – long hair and ever-present Ray-Ban sunglasses – became as iconic as his music, and songs like “Mi Matamoros Querido,” “La Sirenita,” and “Lamento de Amor” became permanent fixtures in Mexican musical culture.
A Modern Take on a Musical Legacy
Since forming around 2010, Karmelo y Compañía have dedicated themselves to honoring Tovar’s musical innovations while developing their own artistic voice. The San Luis Potosí-based group has evolved far beyond a simple tribute act, building on Tovar’s influential foundation while creating something distinctly their own.
What I appreciate most about them is their humble, no-nonsense working band vibe. Unlike many acts riding the nostalgia wave, they maintain a direct connection with their audience – they even include their booking phone number (+52 444 243 2324) on their social media profiles so fans and venues can reach out directly. I just love that I could just call them up and hire them!
The group’s frontman, Marco Antonio Guerrero, is a commanding presence on stage – an imposing figure with long, luxurious hair reminiscent of Tovar himself. His striking voice powerfully channels the emotion behind Tovar’s classics, and remarkably, he often plays percussion and timbales simultaneously while singing. Led by director and phenomenal keyboardist Karmelo Herrera, the ensemble includes Gerardo Palencia on guitar, Alex Calderón on bass, Edgar Gómez on güiro, and Gael Herrera handling rhythm duties.
Beyond Tribute
Karmelo y Compañía have developed a substantial repertoire of both cover and original material. Their two recorded albums demonstrate this dual approach – their first, “Ayer Fuimos Amantes,” features ten Rigo Tovar hits alongside four mariachi tracks, while their second album, “Mis Mejores Rosas,” includes eight original compositions alongside two Tovar covers and four trio arrangements. Their most recent release, “En vivo desde San Luis Potosí,” showcases their energetic live performances.
What began as a regional act has expanded internationally, with growing audiences throughout Latin America and the United States. The group now performs regularly in venues across Mexico and has developed substantial followings in Argentina, Paraguay, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Colombia.