Ramon Ayala

Norteno artist and four-time Grammy Award nominee Ramon Ayala is one of the most popular and esteemed personalities in Regional Mexican music. In the three decades that Ayala has been an active performer, the accordionist/vocalist/producer/arranger has been at the helm of two of the most successful conjuntos in the history of the genre. Ayala and the late bajo sexto guitarist/vocalist Cornelio Reyna teamed up to form Los Relampagos Del Norte in the 1960's.

At the time, Ayala was just 18, and Reyna was 23. In the relatively short period that the group was together, their music would so captivate fans with sensitive, yet powerful arrangements, that Los Relampagos would become one of the most popular conjuntos in modern times. With Reyna as the principle songwriter/vocalist, and Ayala's swift accordion technique and charismatic stage presence, Los Relampagos so solidly stamped their style on the conjunto scene that hosts of younger musicians attempt to emulate them to the present time. Their songs have been covered countless times, and continue to be recorded by many contemporary latin artists. Ayala and Reyna split amicably in 1971, retiring Los Relampagos Del Norte, and securing their position as one of the most successful and influential norteno groups of all time. Los Relampagos Del Norte were inducted into the Pura Vida Music Awards Hall of Fame in 1997.

Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos Del Norte were formed shortly after the split. With that, Ayala would again front another conjunto that would imprint its identity on conjunto music, and would itself attain legendary proportions on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border. In 1974 Ayala signed a recording contract with Freddie Records. Ayala has recorded for Freddie Records since then, and has become one of the label's premier artists.

In the 30 years that Ramon Ayala has been an active musician, he has recorded over 75 albums. Not one has strayed from the basic accordion and unadorned vocal style that Ayala began with. Ayala turns out well-crafted and balanced music, featuring lyrics with universally understood human themes. They're about tragedy, loneliness, broken relationships, almost unbearable longing and pain, and about experiencing love in all its complicated nuances. Ayala's music is nicely rounded out by thoughtful melodies and the soulful, rich vocals of lead singer Mario Marichalar.

Ramon Ayala's latest Grammy nominated release is his touching tribute to Cornelio Reyna, "En Las Alas De Un Angel/Despedimos A Cornelio Reyna". Recorded shortly after Reynas's untimely death in January of 1997, "En Las Alas . . ." is a combination of time honred Reyna compostions and new songs dedicated to the memory of this legendary performer. Though many other groups have recorded their own tributes to Reyna, none ring with more heartfelt sincerity than Ayala's masterful interpretations.

The new album includes 12 cuts, and features 6 of Reyna's most beloved compositions including "Lagrimas De Mi Barrio," "Me Cai De La Nube," "Te Vas Angel Mio," and the album's first single "Me Sacaron Del Tenampa". The second half of the album contains 6 new original songs penned by various composers that pay homage to Reyna's musical legacy.

Another highlight of the album is the inclusion of excerpts from radio interviews of Reyna discussing his friendship with Ayala and the early days of Los Relampagos.

Ayala and Los Bravos Del Norte flawlessly go between corridos, rancheras, boleros, and valseadas to create a well-balanced mix that compliments the album's overall theme, and showcases the group's true versatility.

Ramon Ayala always takes care to insure that the material on his albums reflect the excellence that has been his trademark for so many years. Ayala selects material designed to cater to the musical preferences of his fans throughout the United States and Mexico. After all, Ayala's fans have continually supported his music for over 30 years, and Ramon Ayala is a genuine artist who never forgets.

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