REVIEWS
“The reincarnation of Trio Los Panchos filled the Brava Theater in San Francisco with a romanticism from Mexico’s 1940-50s golden age. With seductive vocals and a nostalgic sway, the trio named after Pancho Villa did two hour-long sets of classic Latin American love songs that enthralled the opening night audience (in the first of nine performances). It was a bonding experience for emigrants from Mexico and Central and South America, who were able to relive the moments when they first heard these songs. Important to the group and its authenticity is the virtuosic abilities of (musical director) Gabriel Vargas, the adopted son of co-founder Alfredo Gil, on the small requinto guitar. If you appreciate the sensuality, romanticism and humor of classic Latin American song, Vargas’ Trio Los Panchos is your ticket there.”
Chuy Varela, The Chronicle, San Francisco
“Their songs helped create a new romantic vocabulary, how Hispanics felt and expressed love. They sang ballads describing the taste of a kiss, the offering of one's heart and the profound sadness of losing your loved one.”
Consuelo Alba-Speyer, San Jose Mercury News
“Soul, love, illusion and pain are words that could perfectly describe the Trio Los Panchos. The group has lived through different times and different voices, but its original seal is always the same, a unique style that has lasted through the decades. Their music has expanded to every corner of the world.”
Chelis Lopez, El Tecolote, San Francisco
“In the history of Latin American popular music there has never been a trio of voices and guitars more renowned than Los Panchos. They set the style for modern trios and have been much imitated, but never equaled. Their influence has been so strong that respected Latin music historians divide the history of the Latin American trios in two parts: before and after Trio Los Panchos.”
Latin Beat Magazine, October, 2004
“With lush three-part harmonies and deft interlocking guitar parts, the group offers a luxuriant travelogue of love and longing. The trio offered such perfectly executed vocals and artful guitar work that one hardly needed to understand Spanish to be swept away.”
Andrew Gilbert, Contra Costa Times
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