Patrulla 81

by Evan C. GutierrezDuranguense pioneers Patrulla 81 formed in their home state of Durango in 1981. Their signature sound was unintentionally derived from the use of melodeon (a small breath-controlled keyboard instrument) instead of an electric keyboards, which proved too expensive for the group's budget. Their alternative take on the usual instrumentation can be heard on such early recordings as "Ojitos," "El Lirio" and "Las Called de Chihuahua." The regional success of these recordings afforded the band the opportunity to perform all over Durango, but seldom outside the state. Traveling to Juarez City in hopes of widening the group's influence, bandmember Jose Angel Medina formed a strong relationship with Ismael Dominguez, programmer for the popular Radio Canon. Patrulla's song "Tu Mirada" was put on heavy rotation, earning the band their first hit. Subsequently, they were able to tour Mexico and the States, and Patrulla 81 was courted by the Garmex label, who soon released the group's debut record No Aprendi a Olvidar. Recording and performing live for years, the band made a breakthrough in 2004 with their live disc, En Vivo Desde Dallas, Texas, which reached number four on Billboard's Regional Mexican charts. Other accomplishments in 2004 included the band's participation in the popular ary film Le Verdadera Historia de la Musica Duranguense and performances in L.A., Denver, and genre capital Chicago. Patrulla 81 was named "La Revelacion del Ano" at that year's Premios Que Buena. They have since remained a fixture in the Regional Mexican genre and on charts throughout the States and Mexico.