Juan Sifuentes Jr. Y Grupo Segundo

 


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.
 

 


Photo Gallery
Click on thumbnails to enlarge picture

 

Juan Sifuentes Jr. Y Grupo Segundo performing

Juan Medrano

Alfred Garcia

Alfonzo Reyna

Mike Ramirez and Juan Sifuentes Jr.

Pete Garza

Mike and Juan at Market Square ( TTMA Awards and Fan Fare Weekend 2008)

Juan being interviewed by BNET Radio Dj Bob Olivo

Juan Sifuentes Jr. and Grupo Segundo Band


 

 

© 2008 tejanonewstarsdotcom All Right Reserved. l credits l contact us