Los Machucambos
Los Machucambos is a Paris-based Latin music act formed in the city’s Latin Quarter in 1959. Well-versed in a whole host of popular Latin genres such as cha-cha-cha, mariachi, bossa nova, and even Andean folklore, the group went through numerous lineup changes throughout its history, but initially consisted of Spanish guitarist Rafael Gayoso, Costa Rican singer Julia Cortés (the daughter of former president León Cortés Castro), and a second guitarist from Peru named Milton Zapata. They began performing in the late 50s as Los Acapulcos and changed their name to Los Machucambos (taken from an indigenous Andean term for ‘armadillo’) after Julia Cortés joined the band. In 1960, the trio gained nationwide popularity thanks to their rendition of the Mexican classic “La Bamba,” but it was 1961’s “Pepito” that finally propelled them to international stardom. During that time, Milton Zapata quit the group and was later replaced by Italian guitarist Romano Zanotti. Over the course of the next few decades, Los Machucambos continued their exploration of the Latin American songbook, often incorporating traditional instruments such as charango, kena, and the Andean harp. Following Julia Cortés’ departure in 1972 due to a serious illness, the group recruited several female vocalists until settling with Chilean singer Mariana Montalvo, who accompanied the group until 2005. Prior to that, all of the group’s original members reunited in 2004 to record the album Como Antes, followed by a legendary live concert in Costa Rica. In the subsequent years, the group suffered significant losses after the passing of Julia Cortés in 2008 and Rafael Gayoso in 2015.
©Copyright Music Story Evelyn Duskey 2023
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35 Essentials of Los Machucambos (Mono Version)
Pop - Released by BNF Collection on Sep 18, 2014
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Sus Primeros Ep's en España (1959-1963) (Remastered)
World - Released by Rama Lama Music on Jul 7, 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Tremendos Éxitos (Remastered)
Latin America - Released by Universal Digital Enterprises on Aug 20, 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Hasta Siempre, Comandante
World - Released by MAMANOQUIERE on Apr 15, 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Selecciones Musicales Lationamericanas
Pop - Released by Alpha Center Digital on Mar 31, 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
La Boa / Otorrino Laringologo (Mono Version)
World - Released by BNF Collection on Jan 1, 1961
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Orfeu Negro: La chanson d'Orphée / Adieu tristesse (Mono Version)
Miscellaneous - Released by BNF Collection on Jan 1, 1959
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
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Folklore Mexicain (Mono Version)
Latin America - Released by BNF Collection on Jan 1, 1959
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
All The Best
World - Released by Retro Music Box on Feb 26, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Pepito / Dimelo en Septiembre (Mono Version)
World - Released by BNF Collection on Jan 1, 1960
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
15 Essentials of Los Machucambos (Mono Version)
Pop - Released by BNF Collection on Sep 4, 2014
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Non monsieur / Fabulosa (Mono Version)
Pop - Released by BNF Collection on Jan 1, 1962
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
The Best of Los Machucambos
Pop - Released by Vintage Jukebox on Feb 12, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Dansez avec les Machucambos (Mono version)
Pop - Released by BNF Collection on Jan 1, 1961
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
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Perfidia (Bolero Cha-Cha)
World - Released by Viking Records on Dec 3, 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Los Machucambos
Latin America - Released by Vintage Music on Feb 25, 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Vintage World Nº 82 - EPs Collectors, "Duerme Negrito"
Latin America - Released by Vintage Music on Jun 19, 1959
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo