Grupo Calor (12)
Darren Cordova
Vocalista
Darren Martin Cordova was born on May 20th 1966 in Dixon, New Mexico to Jose Nerio Cordova and Margie Maria Cordova. In 1987, Darren bought his first guitar. He was determined to learn to play
and sing at the same time.
In 1988, Darren Cordova, along with his father and brothers, formed the group "Los Cordova's". This group included his brothers Daniel Cordova, Darrell Cordova, and father Joe Cordova. The group recorded their first album in 1989 entitled Los Cordova's "Mala Novia". After this recording, the group became very popular throughout the southwest states. The group performed in states
such as Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Wyoming.
In 1991 at the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards show, Darren Cordova received the Male Vocalist award and Cassette of the Year award for his second release entitled "A Mi Ley". Under group name Los Cordova's, Darren recorded five cassettes and one cd.
In 1993 Darren formed "Darren Cordova y Calor" which has become a household name in the Spanish Music scene. The first recording under the new name was entitled "Cantinero" a song that Darren wrote. For this recording, the N.M.H.M.A. awarded Darren with "Song of the Year" and "Cassette of the Year".
In 1994 "Darren Cordova y Calor" released their second CD entitled Quiero Mas. This recording included the hit song "Mi Amigo" written by Darren Cordova also known as "Dos o Tres Tequilas". Darren recorded this song with the "Godfather of New Mexico Music", Al Hurricane. When Darren Cordova y Calor performs the song "Mi Amigo" live you are sure to see the fans sing along word for word. Later that year the group was awarded "Band of the Year".
In 1995 Darren released "Darren Cordova con Mariachi". This recording was special to Darren since he grew up listening to his favorite artists such as Vicente Fernandez, Jose Alfredo Jimenez,
and Cornelio Reyna. This CD includes songs interpreted from these legendary artists. For this Mariachi recording, Darren was awarded "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Song of the Year".
In 1997 Darren built his own recording studio where he recorded the CD entitled "Pienso En Ti". This CD includes hits such as "Que Levante La Mano", "Ganas de Mirarla", "Pienso En Ti". With this recording Darren gained national recognition as he was featured in the "Antenna Magazine" and considered to be the #1 seller in New Mexico according to record stores throughout. Later that year, the group again was awarded "Band of the Year".
In 1998 Darren Cordova Y Calor released their 14th recording "Vas A Ver" this CD includes various hits including "Mi Vida Nueva" a song written by Darren exclusively for world boxing champion Johnny Tapia. Mi Vida Nueva is played during Johnny Tapia's fight introductions. Johnny has become a close friend to Darren and refers to his music as "Musica del Corazon". Tapia, because of his love for Darren's music actually trains to this music on a daily basis. Darren Cordova received the "Producer of the Year" award for this CD.
2000 was the ten-year anniversary since the first recording. Darren at age 34 was the youngest recipient of the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards and New Mexico Entertainers awards Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given only to distinguished musicians who have made a significant difference and contribution
to New Mexico Music. Also in 2000 Darren Cordova Y Calor released their 14th recording entitled "Te Extrano Mama". This CD sold very well throughout the southwest and once again received many
awards at the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards. Darren swept the Awards Show 2000, winning seven out of nine award nominations The Awards included “Song writer of the year” (Te Extrano Mama a song composed exclusively for Johnny Tapia), “Producer of the year”, “Traditional Ranchera of the year” (Que te vaya bonito), “ Song of the year” and “Best Original Song” (Te Extrano Mama), “CD Cassette of the year”, and “Band of the year”.
In the summer of 2001, Darren released his fifteenth recording entitled “Otra Vez Con Mariachi”. This release reflected his passion for Mexico's authentic music heritage. Songs from this release include interpretations from artists and composers such as Juan Tavares, Cornelio Reyna, and Jose Alfredo Jimenez.
Darren Cordova often shares his professional experience in music and production with other musicians starting in the music industry by producing and recording their music at his recording studio DMC Records.
In May of 2003 Darren Cordova Y Calor released their Sixteenth recording entitled “ No Me Digas Adios”. Currently the CD is being received very well throughout the southwest. At the 2003 New Mexico Hispano Music awards this production received many awards including “CD of the year”, “Band of The Year”, “Song of The Year”, “Best Original Song of The Year”, and “Songwriter of The Year”.
In 2006 at the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards, Darren Cordova Y Calor was once again honored with the “Band of The Year” Award.
In October 2006 Darren released his 17th recording entitled “Antes de Ti” this CD features his daughter Dynette Marie and son Darren Lee each singing a song on this CD. At the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards show held January 20th 2007 Darren received the Male Vocalist of the year award and traditional ranchera (Por Tu Culpa) of the year
Aside from his musical career, Darren Cordova owns Taos Stereo Pro Musician’s Supply, a full line music store in Taos N.M. Darren also owns Cordova Mobile Home Park in Taos NM. Because of Darren’s success which he accredits the people, in July of 2001 Darren Cordova entered into a purchase agreement with Alpine Broadcasting Ltd of Idaho to purchase two Taos NM radio stations (KXMT 99.1 Adult Rock and KKIT Country). Since Darren is so loyal to the New Mexico heritage and culture he immediately changed the format on KXMT 99.1 to the first 24hr. Spanish radio station in Taos New Mexico’s history. KXMT 99.1FM also known as “Radio Exitos” plays the best in New Mexico, Regional Mexican, Tejano, and Mariachi music. He has also since then changed the format on KKIT 95.9FM from country to Adult Contemporary Rock. In 2004 Darren upgraded “Radio Exitos” to 100,000 watts, which now covers Southern Colorado as well. In 2005, DMC Broadcasting aquired two additional radio frequiencies and created KKTC 99.9/100.7 FM True Country and KVOT 1340AM progressive talk radio.
Darren Cordova is constantly involved with the youth and the community. In March of 2006 Darren was elected a four year term to the city Council of Taos N.M. In addition, he is often a guest speaker at schools talking to the kids about the importance of staying in school, staying off drugs, listening to their parents and teachers, etc. In fact, he often motivates the students by offering them a free CD to those who show an improvement on their next report card. When asked why he devotes so much time to the
youth, Darren says because he has children of his own and also because they are our future.
At a Darren Cordova y Calor concert, Darren constantly shows his appreciation for his fans. He does this by never leaving the show until everyone wanting an autograph receives one. He also constantly praises the fans for the group's success.
Whenever Darren Cordova y Calor is in your area look out for a spectacular show and be sure to get your tickets early because capacity crowds are sure to be expected.
Darren Lee Cordova
Direcotor Musical/Teclados/Accordeon
Darren Lee (23) is New Mexico's newest rising artist breaking into the New Mexicomusic scene. Debuting his freshman album 4Q 2010, "A Los Grandes…," Darren is eager toshare his music, crediting his debut album to those music legends who came before him.Darren found inspiration from songwriters such as Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Pedro Infante andAntonio Aguilar. Darren explains, "Its an honor to pay tribute to those great song writers andcomposers by applying my own style to timeless classics. For me, its all about the music."
A Native New Mexican from Taos, Darren Lee is no stranger to New Mexican Music. Hisfather Darren Cordova is celebrating his 20th anniversary in the music scene and Darren Lee isproud to have been an integral part of his father's tenure for more than ten years. "I beganplaying drums with Calor when I was twelve. Ever since I can remember, I always strived to oneday be a part of the band." He has since taken on the role of Musical Director; playingKeyboard and Accordion.
At 23, Darren Lee is a recent graduate of the University of New Mexico earning his MBAfrom Anderson School of Management. He is currently attending UNM Law School.
Darren Lee is humbled to share his music with New Mexico music fans around theworld. He hopes his music will add to the diverse varieties of talent the state has to offer. Lookout for Darren Lee's debut album, "A Los Grandes…," 4Q 2010.
Bobby Madrid
Trompeta
BIO COMING SOON!
Ryan Cordova
Trompeta
Ryan Cordova was born in Taos New Mexico to Brenda and Darren Cordova on August 2nd, 1993. Even at a young age, Ryan had a love for music. Always asking his dad to translate the lyrics from his songs, Ryan took a great interest in the band his father fronted. When his elementary year passed, Ryan saw himself entering middle school with the opportunity to enroll in the school marching band. Having seen that the trumpet was an option as instrument to play, Ryan got his first trumpet. Within a year and a half after he joined the marching band, Mariachi Calor (fronted by his oldest brother Darren Jr.) was booked for a performance at the Bull Rush in Las Vegas, New Mexico with only Darren himself on the trumpet. As any music lover may know, two is always better than one when it comes to the sound of mariachi. Just a few weeks before the show, Darren Lee asked his younger brother if he would be interested in filling in. Of course grateful for the opportunity, Ryan said yes. Having learned the entire set by ear, Ryan’s first concert with Mariachi Calor was a success! In 2006, with the absence of a trumpet player, Darren Cordova Y Calor found itself in need of one more horn. The rest is history from there! Be sure to see Ryan out on stage keeping the sound for what is sure to be the hottest ticket in town!
Fabian Vigil
Guitarra
Fabian Vigil was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1978. Growing up he was
always facinated with the guitar. His mother Berlinda and grandfather Jose
would always sing and play for him. Music has always been a big part of his
life. In 1995 he began touring the southwestern United States with Darren
Cordova y Calor as the Stage and Equipment Manager. There he learned alot
about sound and lighting. As he would run the light show for Darren Cordova
y Calor at each concert, he always intruiged with the idea of playing guitar
for such a prestigeous band. He would always watch Darren and other guitar
players to learn to play. Fabian would be at Darren's house every weekend
off and would learn from him. As his dad Leroy saw the interest Fabian had,
he immediately bought him his first guitar. He encouraged him to practice
everyday. As time went on, Fabian had the opportunity to be the full time
guitar player for Darren Cordova y Calor. Finally, his dream came true.
Fabian would like to thank his supportive parents Leroy and Berlinda Vigil
for all there love and encouragement.
Dynette Marie
Vocalista
Born into a musical family on February 27th, 1990, Dynette spent a great amount of her childhood on the road with her father, Darren Cordova, observing his every move. She loved to be on stage and would help out with posters and CD’s. As a child, Dynette began dancing alongside her father on stage. It wasn’t until age eight that Dynette began to pursue her musical career as a vocalist.
Dynette showed an interest in singing with her father, specifically one of his own songs; “Vas A Ver,” recorded and released by Darren Cordova in 1998. Dynette sang this one song during her father’s shows for about one year, sometimes accompanied by her younger brother, Ryan Cordova. At age nine, Dynette slowly began to step down from the spotlight.
It wasn’t until age fourteen that Dynette began to pursue her musical career once again. Starting High School, she joined the school’s Mariachi group, Mariachi El Tigre. Dynette quickly picked up the violin. She also began singing again and by New Year’s Eve of 2004, Dynette joined a well-known Mariachi group, formed by her older brother, Darren Lee Cordova. Mariachi Calor is one of New Mexico’s premier Mariachi groups, performing alongside Darren Cordova Y Calor and for many cultural events around New Mexico.
Though singing and playing violin with Mariachi Calor and Mariachi El Tigre, Dynette began to show an interest in singing and performing with the band as well. In the Spring of 2006, Dynette made her debut with Grupo Calor singing “Ahorra Que Estuviste Lejos” now at every show with Darren Cordova Y Calor. In October of 2006, Darren Cordova Y Calor released their 17th album entitled “Antes de Ti.” On this album, Dynette recorded and released her first song, “Ahorra Que Estuviste Lejos.” Dynette quickly gained recognition for the song and was nominated by the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards Association for “Rising Star Of The Year” and “Female Vocalist of The Year.”
Dynette enjoys performing with her family and sharing each and every one of those moments with the fans and supporters of all ages. Dynette loves the reaction of the crowds and the satisfaction of being able to relate to so many.
Dynette graduated from Taos High School in May of 2008 and is now going full time to the University of New Mexico to also pursue her education.
In December of 2008, one of Dynette’s most precious dreams had finally come true. Dynette released her first full-length album entitled “Loca Por Tu Amor.” With the extensive help of her father Darren Cordova, brother Darren Lee Cordova, and many talented musicians, the album has been a great success. The CD contains a variety of Spanish songs which can be found in music stores throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado.
Abel Cuevas
Bateria
A native of Galveston Island, Texas, Abel Cuevas started drumming at age 10 when his father, a former drummer of The Champs, retired from performance due to severe illness. Abel gained his first exposure to ensemble playing upon entering middle school. Around this time, he formed his first group, a three piece Metal band. This band later evolved into the eight piece live Hip-Hop outfit Questionable Ethix, with whom he played until starting college. At the time, Questionable Ethix was New Mexico’s finest and only live hip-hop band. The group was also the youngest working band in the greater Albuquerque area.At age 18, his seasoned sight-reading skills enabled him to fill the drum chair in the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra. During his stint with the big band, he formed a Metal band, Her Black Wings where he further honed his abilities as a songwriter, arranger, and producer. Upon completion of their full length album, he then went on to prove himself as a highly skilled and authentic blues/roots/R&B drummer, performing extensively throughout the Southwest.
Throughout middle school and high school, Abel also participated in various ensembles including the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, the NMJW Honor Big Band, and the NMMEA All-State Orchestras and Bands. In this time he also received several awards for both percussion and drum set performance. Abel earned first in state at the 2001 and 2003 NMMEA All-State Jazz Conferences and, in 2004, was the first player to be named both the Outstanding Performer at the University of New Mexico Jazz Festival and the Outstanding Musician of the Albuquerque Jazz Festival in the same year. Following his performance at the 2004 Albuquerque Jazz Festival, prominent Jazz vocalist, and festival adjudicator, Kevin Mahogany expressed his appreciation for Abel’s playing, saying that he would gladly take Abel on the road, but that it would be better for him to finish school. This sentiment inspired Abel to go to college.
Though he did not originally intend to major in music, Abel found himself in the percussion program at UNM. Through rigorous study and practice, he gained a wealth of experience in the symphonic, solo, and chamber music realms, as well as a deep understanding of music theory, music history and pedagogy. He performed many major symphonic, opera, and chamber works of composers ranging from Mozart to Beethoven, Respighi to Shostakovich, Varese to Revueltas, and beyond. His solo repertoire ranged from the Impressionist piano works of Debussy, adapted for four-mallet marimba, to the virtuosic multiple percussion scores of Xenakis. In 2009, Abel was also the featured soloist in performances of Akira Nishimura’s Concerto for Timpani and Five Percussionists.
In the short time since completing his Bachelor’s degree in Percussion Performance in the Fall of 2009, Abel has performed as a freelance percussionist with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, the chamber ensemble Chatter, the choral ensemble Quintessence, and with the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra for a special performance of Stan Kenton’s suite Fuego Cubano, directed by trumpeter Bobby Shew.
He has taught percussion in the Rio Rancho High School band program since 2004, where his duties have included coaching the drum line, writing and arranging percussion scores, and directing concert percussion ensembles. In addition to teaching privately, he has also served as a clinician at several Albuquerque schools.
Russell Romero
Bajo
Russell Romero was born July 11, 1989 in Albuquerque, NM to Jeffery and JoAnne Romero. Not long after his arrival, Russell's parents decided to make the move back to their hometown of Taos, NM, a place they felt would be the best place to raise their kids, a very small town where one learns to appreciate the value of hard work and striving to meet ones goals.
As a kid, Russell spent most of his days running around with friends and cousins, cramming in practically every sport there is into his backyard. But at the age of 7 saw his uncle doing his thing on the guitar and got an immediate desire to learn how to play. Russell begged his parents for a guitar till they finally gave in and bought him one. That would be the moment where his love for music took off.
Many years later, now in high School, Russell joined his high schools mariachi group called Mariachi EL Tigre. He went in with the intent of playing guitar but a vacant position as guitarron player needed to be filled. At first, Russell was a little weary about it bieng that he dedicated all his learning to the guitar previously, but agreed and filled the position. This is where Russell met Darren Lee Cordova, the creator and director of Mariachi Calor, and the other members of the group. Soon after meeting Darren Lee, Russell was asked to fill the newly vacant position as guitarron player for Mariachi Calor. Bieng new to the guitarron, Russell spent hours a day practicing at Darren Cordova's music store with Darren Lee playing out the notes on his keyboard and Russell following along. Russell and Mariachi Calor continue today playing at events all across New Mexico and southern Colorado. Playing with Mariachi Calor opened a new door for him in the year 2007 when a vacant position as bass player for Darren Cordova y Calor needed to be filled. Russell was asked to learn the music and did so and went on to fill that position.
Phil Arnold
Trombón
UNION AFFILIATIONS: IATSE Film Workers Local 480, NM. AFM Musicians Local 802, NYC. SAG-eligible. OSHA-certified, NM State PED K-12 licensed.
QUALIFICATIONS: Currently working as Studio Teacher on the feature film "Let Me In"(2010), directed by "Cloverfield" director Matt Reeves. Experience working with top film industry professionals as a Boom Operator in New York City and in New Mexico. Recent crew work on "The Warden"(2009, promo trailer for Paramount) gave an opportunity to serve with Phil Pfeiffer (DP) and Steve Mullen (Gaffer) along with a top-shelf crew. 25 years experience in the entertainment industry, able to assume a wide variety of responsibilities and support roles for media production. Experience assisting in analog and digital recording studio production, television broadcast/commercial and film soundstage and location work, and working with agents, managers, clients and talent. Accustomed to working on high-profile, high-cost projects that demand punctuality and the highest level of professionalism.
EDUCATION: BM Arizona State University 1983, MM University of New Mexico 2009. Completed basic entry-level coursework in Television Production at UNM in 1979, Recording Studio Engineering at UNLV in 1986, and graduate multimedia coursework at the New York Institute of Technology in 2002.
WORK EXPERIENCE: Glenn Miller Orchestra, 1983-84. Las Vegas production show musician, 1984-86. Member Las Vegas Musicians Local #369, served on picket line during the Culinary and Stagehand union workers strike supporting Las Vegas musicians in 1984. Twenty years as a full-time professional musician in New York City on Broadway, Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes, and the Rainbow Room at NBC Studios. Active member, NYC Musician's Local #802 since 1986. Accustomed to working with celebrities in live performance and on television, film and recording soundstages. Film Crew experience as Boom Operator and as Electrician, able to set up all types of microphones as well as lay cabling and work with AV equipment including kinos, spotlights, and lasers. Extensive work at Nola Studios in New York City as recording musician, mentored by world-class producers and engineers in the art of sound recording.
Jazz bass trombone soloist with Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, Tito Puente, the Gil Evans Orchestra and many others. Harmonica soloist, Broadway show "The Civil War."
Worked closely with high-end media and public relations professionals as well as major network film crews during local and nationwide broadcasts on the Today Show, CBS Evening News, FOX News, and Reuters Newsfeed to countries around the world as a spokesperson and Performing Artist for the YAMAHA Music Instrument Corporation.
Committed to music education, served as a full-time music teacher 4 years with NYC Public Schools and 3 years in the Albuquerque Public Schools. Honored for service on Mayor Rudolph Guiliani's Education Committee 1997-1998. Licensed K-12 in NYC, NY State, and New Mexico. OSHA-certified Film Technician for safety supervision of children on the film set, expert on Child Labor Laws. Studio Teacher/On-Set Tutor, IATSE Local 480.
Worked directly with Abrams Artists Agency as well as a variety of excellent film crews in NYC while representing young talent for clients such as Playskool and PBS. During on-set and location shoots, gained film production experience by assisting directors and crew. Became a Boom Operator specialist while working on several short films under the mentorship of the some of the finest film professionals in New York City. Boom Operator for Pâté (2001), which became an award-winning entry in the 2001 Sundance Film Festival, and received a number of other awards. The director of that film, Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo, is now releasing her first feature film, After.Life (2009), starring Liam Neeson and Christina Ricci.
On-Set Film and Television Work (credited and non-credited): In Plain Sight (2010) stand-in, Passion Play (2010) actor, Let Me In (2010): On-Set Tutor/Studio Teacher (film crew), The Warden (2009): electrician (promotional trailer for Paramount, Max & Harry - An Undead Love Story (2009): boom operator (in production), What is My Name, Sister? (2009): boom operator,grip/lamp operator (in post-production), Pâté (Sundance Film Festival, 2001): boom operator, Breaking Bad (2009): actor, Crash (2009): actor, Into the West (Spielberg, 2005): actor/musican, The Today Show (2001): performer, CBS Evening News (2000): performance/interview, FOX News (1999, 2000): performance/interview.
Dave Borton
Trombón
BIO COMING SOON!
