Pete Perez - Leader and lead vocals - born in Del Rio, Texas established the band, originally from the legendary group Azteca. He has worked with members from Tierra, Malo, El Chicano, WAR Earth, Wind & Fire, Redbone and jazz group Hiroshima. Pete comes to the band from an entertainment family, related to T.V. personality Johnny Canales of the "The Johnny Canales Show" and distant relative to Selena's widower Chris Perez. Pete was one of the featured dancers on Michael Jacksons video "Thriller" back in 1983. It was voted video of the century.
Victor "Papa" Pantoja - Congas and percussion - born in Harlem, New York, Victor is originally from the group Santana, he performed at "Woodstock" and is a founders of the group Azteca. This man is a real Latin legend, he has performed with countless groups and Tito Puente, Willie Bobo, Coke Escovedo, Pete Escovedo, Tierra and more. He can be found on countless CD's, two songs under his belt that you still hear on the radio are Nena and Sauvecito, while he recorded with group Malo.
Rocky Padilla - Bass and backup vocals - born in Montebello, Ca., a solo artist that has two CD's under his belt. Has appeared on various tracks with different artists, for instance WAR, and Zapp Roger. Rocky brings a new dimension to the group with his unique style of singing.
Ray "Rafael" Carrion - Lead guitar and backup vocals - born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ray toured many years with Peter Criss, from the fame KISS band, played 11 years with El Chicano, and Malo. Ray also comes to the band from the legendary Azteca. He is featured on different recordings with different artists. He is also working on his own solo projects.
Tony Hernandez - Keyboards and backup vocals - born in Los Angeles, Ca., Tony played for five years with the original Tierra, after Joey left the group. He has worked with various groups before joining The Nation of Aztlan. Perhaps you might have caught Tony on T.V., but not for music, he is the Los Angeles County Coroner. He is a good addition to the group.
John Burrola - Sax - born in Los Angeles, Ca., John comes to the group with an established resume. For years he has played with established LA groups. He has performed with Tierra and the recording group WAR. John gives the group that additional sound in Alto and Tenor Sax that we were looking for.
Elu Peavy -Congas -born in the eastcoast. A favorable addition to the group, his rhythmic sound brings that thundering jungle sound with a well balance sound of today's latin and salsa sound. Elu comes to Aztlan from the salsa group "Cha-Chaz".
Ray Santillan - Trombone - born in Los Angeles, Ca., Ray is the latest addition to the group. He comes to Aztlan from "The Connection", an LA established to 40 group. His heavy brass, compliments the rest of the horns in the group.
   
Steve Falomir - Raised in Los Angeles, Ca. Bass player-again from that great Latin group "Tierra", Steve joined the group in 98', has played with El Chicano and is part of the "Latin Legend Project". Steve was touring last year with good friend Cesar Rosas from "Los Lobos" and is featured on his solo CD. You can always recognize Steve's trademark, his "Stevie Ray Vaughn Hat".
 
   
Ray Poncin - Raised in Pawtucket,R.I. He is a terrific trumpet player who is known for "High Notes". Ray has played with The Midnighters, Azteca, Wayne Forter, Brent Wood, Al Wilson, Yari More, Macondo, Rocky Padilla Band and now Aztlan. A very talented individual that can sing, play exclusively Calicchio Trumpet, Flugelhorn, 1st trumpet and the dance coordinator for the "Aztlan Horns".
 
 
Danny Santillan - Raised in Los Angeles, California. An all-star drummer that comes to Aztlan formerly from the ever popular group " Tierra", next to Los Lobos, the only other group to perform at Carnegie Hall. He is featured in numerous recordings. Danny joined the group when George Luna went on "musician's leave". A great addition to the group, with a lot of talent with a big heart, that is why we call him "Big Daddy".
 
 
Edgar Salas - Raised in Los Angeles, California. Bass palyer - comes to us from a musical family. His music is a salty taste of Cuban and Costa Rican flavor. Edgar specializes in playing funk, Top 40, R & B, and salsa music. He is a true asset to Aztlan.
 
 
Karl Carrasco - Musician/Composer/Arranger/Producer/Keyboardist - was born in Los Angeles California. He is currently touring/recording with the group "Cannibal & The Headhunters" whose hit "Land of a Thousand Dances" launched them into the national spotlight in 1965. They subsequently opened for the Beatles and the Rolling Stones that year.
 

Special guests joining the group from time to time:

Adrian Hernandez - Timbales and percussion - born in Victorville, Ca., Adrian is an up and coming timbalor. He has studied under Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo from Santana. Before coming to Aztlan, Adrian was working with some top 40 groups in LA and lately has been performing with the group Delaney, Jaymes, Stevie E. under the direction of Jaymes Felix, former Grammy Award winner from Tower of Power.

Bobby Loya - Trumpet - born in Los Angeles, Ca., Bobby played and toured with the original Tierra group. He has played with various artists including the Tex-Mex circuit, Flaco Jimenez and was recently nominated for a Grammy with "Little Joe and the Familia." Bobby is considered to be one of the best in the business and a terrific horn arranger.

Steve Gutierrez - Drums - born in Los Angeles, Ca., Steve alternates with our other drummer George Luna, Steve is from the group Azteca. He has played with various recording artists including members from Earth, Wind & Fire, Willie Bobo and a list of others. Steve is one of the original members that helped start this group.

George Luna - Drums - born in Los Angeles, Ca., George also played with Azteca, Tierra and a number of recording groups. Like Adrian, George is more popular for playing with some top 40 groups in the LA area. A very versatile musician.

Rudy Rosas - Keyboards - born in Los Angeles, Ca., Rudy is a childhood friend of Pete's. They were neighbors while growing up in the East Side. Rudy is an accomplished pianist and well respected amongst his peers, he is also the brother to legendary "Los Lobos", Ceasar Rosas. He is presently touring with his brother, promoting Ceasar's new CD.

Juan Manuel - Trumpet - born in Mexico City, Mexico, Juan sits in with the group from time to time when he is in town. He belongs to the orchestra that accompanies the International Star and Grammy Award winner Mr. Luis Miguel.

Steve Campos - Keyboards and vocals - born in Los Angeles, Ca., Steve is the original keyboard player for Aztlan. Steve has performed with Chaka Khan, Tierra and a number of famous recording groups. Stevie was at times referred to as the Latin Stevie Wonder.Steve Palomar - Bass and vocals - born in Los Angeles, Ca., Steve is from the original Tierra and has been touring all across the United States with Ceasar Rosas from Los Lobos helping promote the new CD. Steve has been featured in a number of recordings.

Danny "Boy" Padilla -Percussion,soprano sax and backup vocals-born in Montebello, Ca., Danny is Rocky Padilla's older brother, this is a very talented family, both Danny and Rocky began at a very young age. Their father Danny Padilla Sr., who is an accomplished musician, taught the brothers discipiline and always to play and sing their hearts out. In the early years, Mr. Padilla would put both brothers to play with his band "the Padilla Bros.", a group made up of all family, it surely paid off for both brothers who have numerous credits under their belts. Danny has toured with "REDBONE" and sits in with Aztlan from time to time.

 

For more information: Toll free (800) 806-2871