caguama

Mixing Cumbia, Ranchera, Rock and pushing the envelope of Americana giving it the flavor of Mexicana, Caguama will no doubt get you dancing. Originally from Santa Fe, NM, it was 2007 when Caguama became a full band in Portland, Oregon. Their rich sound continues to be noticed by music professionals and public audiences alike in ever-growing capacity, as is noted in the February 3rd issue of Willamette Week.



“Caguama nails every beat of its seductive sound. But the band?s not exclusive to the folksy, Spanish-language romanticism of its horn- and harmony-driven songs. Caguama's willingness to embrace tradition with guns and distortion pedals blazing marks the band as a rare blend of sweet and surly, a breath of fresh desert air.” (Willamette Week Feb 2010)



Currently set to release their first full length album “Caguama,” (The Union Records), their self titled debut album consists of 11 songs ranging from the ballads of “Carolina,” to the rock driven “Juarez Cowboy”. “We wanted to put together a mix of a song that are consistent with the truth of our lives and that is what people will hear.” Bassist Freddy Trujillo (credits) says.



Caguama is looking to expand their musical horizons in all directions and will be touring through the spring and summer in support of their new release. Consistently playing shows through the northwest has proven to be nothing short of excellent for these hombres as they have wowed crowds and have gained a substantial following in recent years. This release will be supported by a massive promotional push via the label and its affiliates. So keep your eyes on your calendars and go see Caguama live, you will not forget it and you would be doing yourself no favors by missing it.



The true collective of this band is their understanding of Latin music, yet a variation of life’s experiences is what separates them, not only from each other but from those musicians that have come before them. Hailing from the Oregon and California they have created a sound that brings all faucets of Latin music into their spectrum, yet they have created something to “truly call their own.” They began as a two piece during the college years of Raul Ugalde, (lead guitar and vocals) and Antoine James Erhardt Navarro (drums), while operating a practice space and music warehouse in Santa Fe NM. Post graduation the two moved to Portland where Antione befriended Freddy Trujillo (backing vocals, acoustic guitar and theramin) who was formerly of Federale with Luther Russell (Freewheelers), Jimi Bott (Fabulous Thunderbirds) and Marc Ford (Black Crowes) then playing and recording with Ian Moore, Fernando, Luther Russell, Pete Droge, Elaine Summers, Mel Brown, and Curtis Salgado) while both were employed at CD Baby. It was during a normal day with “Los Tigres Del Notre,” blaring in the background that they both determined similar interests and Caguama truly began. Realizing that the three needed to ice the cake they were baking, Raul asked Esteban Mendez (keyboards and accordion) a childhood friend to join the band to play keyboards where they also ended up with accordion. This was the cap and true solidification of Caguama making them into the powerful Mexican rock quartet they are today.