Juan Sifuentes Jr. Y Grupo Segundo
This group formed in
November of 2007. Led by the son of a legend, Juan Sifuentes Jr. is
a second generation Tejano Singer. Juan Jr. was exposed to the music
by his father, the Late Juan Sifuentes Sr., who took him on the road
since he was 5 years old. Juan Sifuentes Jr. brings to the table a
unique style of vocal quality that is characteristic of this genre.
Juan’s influences come from blues and rock, along with R&B. Juan
Jr., who turns 50 in July, is still the youngest of the group when
you talk experience. This, combined with some seasoned veterans,
brings forth a "Real school" quality to the Tejano style. Juan
states that he will always be the “student” when studying the music.
Helping Juan on vocals
we have Mike Ramirez who also does lead vocals along with the second
voice on the harmonies. Mike, who is also a drummer, has a
distinguished career with some of the best in the business. Drumming
for such bands as Tonka Y Libre, Los Technicos, Los Chachos, Jesse
Serrata and other bands. Mike is also a percussion player adding
more sound to the Progressive style of the group. Mike takes pride
in stating that he was honored when he accompanied Juan Sifuentes
Sr. in his younger days. This experience greatly influenced Mike to
stay with the music.
Next we have Juan
Medrano, on guitar, who started his career as a Blues/rock player.
Then he quickly fell in love with the, then young, progressive sound
of Oscar Hernandez. Juan Medrano is also a musical arranger and a
composer of songs. Juan honed his skills as a guitar player for
people like Oscar Hernandez, Los Buenos, his own band Estilo, Steve
Jordan and other bands. Juan still maintains his blues/rock style of
playing which he incorporates into his music.
On drums we have Pete
“La Negra” Garza. Pete also was honored by playing for the late Juan
Sifuentes Sr. Add to that Los Chachos, Los Serrata Brothers, Rey
Ramos, and other bands. Pete gives to the band a sure, solid, steady
beat that just makes the crowd want to get up and dance.
On bass we have Alfonso
Reyna also influenced by the music of Juan Sifuentes Sr. Alfonso has
also played the Tejano circuit extensively. Having played with
various bands from Victoria, Texas Alfonso toured with Laura Linda,
Grupo Badd, Tonka Y Libre, and many more bands. Al plays a very
versatile style of bass with jazz, rock, and blues influence adding
a very solid foundation with the bass.
The nucleus of the band
is the accordion. The accordion wizardry is done by Rene Lopez, also
the son of a pioneer and legend, Juan Lopez. Rene developed his
unique style of accordion playing at a very young age when his
father was trying to teach his other brothers. Little did they know
that the smallest of the siblings was also lending an eye and ear to
his father’s teachings. Rene’s unique style of accordion abuse is
appreciated by Tejano music aficionados through out the country.
Rene created his own unique ‘accordion persona’ by listening to
other great accordion masters. Having developed the “I want to be a
trend setter “mentality, Rene has accomplished that with his very
progressive accordion style.
The last member to join
the group is Luz Alfredo Garcia. A very gifted, and versatile
musician, playing several different instruments with very good
precision. One of which is the accordion. Alfred also is a sound
engineer. Alfred’s influences are Los Chachos, Shaggy Garcia, Jesse
Serrata, and several other bands.
This band would not
have gotten together without the hard work of their manager Santos
Aluiso from Freeport, Texas. It was his love for Tejano music, which
his father instilled in him, that gave him the courage, and
intestinal fortitude, to do what they told him couldn’t be done.
Make and manage a Tejano Music band. The words, “I can’t” are not
part of his vocabulary. Santos adds the leadership that is needed to
keep the band on it’s toes.
This total combination
of musicians is what makes El Grupo Segundo. They offer nothing but
good old fashion Tejano Music with a modern flare. Once you here
some of the fresh, invigorating, enticingly, good music your feet
will not want to stop dancing. Be on the look out for their first Cd
scheduled to be released around June or July…..See you on the Dance
floor.