Leading the troops was singer Tony Meléndez, who somewhat resembles a Mexican version of Mario from the Nintendo video game franchise. Primavera is a stoic six-man group that held its position on the stage like a battle regiment in shiny black suits. Their rhythm section has a surprisingly Metallica-esque vibe with a creative display of 32nd note endless rock flams, machine gun cymbal triplets, and upper-stratosphere Red Hot Chili Pepper funk-slap baselines. However, it’s the addition of drummer Adrian Anthony Regaldo since 2007 and bassist Francisco “Frank” Mata since 2008 that gives this conjunto something special underneath the hood. Primavera’s line up includes a saxophonist, a six-string guitarist, an accordionist that doubles on the keyboards, and a vocal soloist.
They are known for a romantic style of norteño and sound like a cross between the Mexican legends Los Tigres del Norte and Los Bukis. The Latin Grammy Award-winning conjunto, Primavera, from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, took over the Chumash Casino on Thursday, August 13.
