by Craig HarrisBased in Amsterdam, NY, a small city near Albany, bass player and vocalist Alex Torres and his fourteen-piece band, Los Reyes Latinos (translated as The Latin Kings) have attracted international attention with their lively, horn-driven approach to Latin dance music. Voted Best Latin band by Metroland Magazine in 1995, 1996, and 1999, the group has increasingly emphasized the jazz elements of their repertoire. Their fourth album, Entre Amigo, released in April 1999, was a Grammy award semi-finalistFormed in October 1980, Alex Torres Y Los Reyes Latinos spent five years sharpening their sound during weekend performances at weddings, benefits, and telethons. During this time, the band released three singles: Ël Pilonero in 1983, Como Yo Te Quiero in 1984, and Estoy Desengado in 1985. Taking a more professional approach, Alex Torres Y Los Reyes Latinos released their debut album, Noche Habanera, in late-85. The following June, the group placed first in a battle of the bands in Hartford, CT.
In addition to Torres, Los Reyes Latinos features Nicholas Lue (assistant director, piano, vocals), Miquel A. Cruz (lead vocals), Jimmy Pelu Fontanez (bongos, tambora), Todd Fabozzi (congas), John Bronk, Kevin Pan Hendrick, Brian Patneaude, Terry Gordon, Mike Perry and Chuck The Mime Yurgans (trumpets), Ken Snoopy Olsen and William Professor Merkley (trombones), Juan Carlos Marrero (timbale), and Angel Sweet Pea Dueno (guira, vocals).