Chebere

Argentine band Chebere maintains one foot in tropical traditions while stepping toward contemporary sounds. Its original setup of violin, accordion, piano, and bass has given way to a broader palette that now includes synthesizer, electric piano, organ, drums, two trumpets, guitar, and saxophone.

The group began as a sextet whose members included violinist Hugo "Huesito" Terragni, pianist/vocalist Angel "Black" Videla, accordionist Alberto Pizzichini, and vocalist Daniel "Sebastian" Reyna. Their first performance took place on June 19, 1974, in the Argentine city of Kioja. The following year they served as backing musicians for girl group Chichi on the road. Although vocalist Daniel "Sebastian" Reyna was succeeded by Julio Manzur, the favorable response to those shows prompted Chebere to strike out alone. Their first album, This Is Chichi, appeared in 1976.

Over the years the front line underwent repeated changes. In 1978 Leo Fraga replaced Julio Manzur, only to retire after several months and yield the position to Miguel "Pelusa" Calderon. When Calderon departed in 1983, Manzur returned briefly before Juan Domingo "Fernando" Gatica took over. Two more singers joined in 1987: Alexander Caberio, whose tenure lasted eight months, and Jorge "Toro" Quevado, who remained until 1993.

December 1996 brought Videla and Pelusa back into the fold, restoring an earlier approach. A third vocalist, Gustavo Alvarez, arrived in June 1997. Recorded at a Los Angeles studio, the 1993 album Chebere in Hollywood earned an ACE Prize.