Sonora Sotarrivas - Sonora Sotarrivas (1969)

Sonora Sotarrivas was a vibrant Mexican band from the late 1960s and early 1970s, modeled after classic Cuban "sonoras" (such as the legendary Sonora Matancera). The band's music is built on a rich and fiery brass section (trumpet), powerful Caribbean percussion, and traditional lead vocals with a choir.

Their self-titled debut album from 1969 is a fine example of the "tropical sound" of that era, which enjoyed enormous popularity in Mexico (especially in port cities like Veracruz). The band masterfully blends Cuban dance rhythms (guaracha, cha-cha-cha, guaguancó) with Mexican flair, and also records passionate, sensual boleros. The record is filled with a festive, danceable atmosphere and is prized by collectors of vintage Latin American underground music.