Based in Los Angeles, Quetzal is an eclectic, unpredictable Mexican-American outfit that combines a variety of Latin influences (Mexican as well as Cuban, Spanish, and South American) with rock, soul, jazz, and folk. The band doesn't specialize in mariachi, ranchero, or Tejano -- three styles of music that are quite popular among Mexican-Americans -- but they have been influenced by traditional Mexican folk. Quetzal favors a bilingual approach; some of their lyrics are in English and some are in Spanish -- which is appropriate because the outfit's music acknowledges different cultures. Quetzal was formed in 1994 by guitarist/leader Quetzal Flores, who appreciated many different styles of music and saw to it that his band reflected his diversity. Other members of Quetzal have included lead singer/percussionist Martha Gonzales, singer Gabriel Gonzales, guitarist Ray Sandoval, bassist Dante Pascuzzo, percussionist Edson Gianesi, drummer/percussionist Kiko Cornejo, and violinists Rocio Marron and Yunior Terry. In 1998, Quetzal's self-titled debut album (which was produced by Oingo Boingo bassist John Avila) came out on the Son del Barrio label; it was followed by the Latinos' sophomore effort, Where Eternities Meet. In 2001, Quetzal signed with Vanguard and recorded their third album, Sing the Real, which was released in March 2002. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
