Conjunto Atardecer

It was September 2000 when Conjunto Atardecer first assembled in Santa Maria del Oro, Durango. At the time three of the originators were residing there while pursuing their studies, performing at local parties and festivals until gigs occupied nearly all their time. Those three opted to bring in two additional players so the group could achieve a fuller sound and advance toward professional standards. Requests for appearances kept arriving in volume, matched by strong calls for a studio release. Recorded in the city of Durango, Con Todo el Corazon achieved notable success and positioned Conjunto Atardecer as a leading regional act. Just ten months afterward the follow-up arrived under the title Cantan Corridos. That regional profile soon opened doors for performances across the United States. The resulting stateside visibility produced a 2002 recording agreement with the Benara Corporation, after which Mi Eterno Amor Secreto appeared on Universal Latino. Extensive airplay and strong chart performance quickly ensued. Throughout 2003 the band traveled extensively, playing dates across the South and Midwest. Further chart-topping albums arrived in 2004 with Los Número Uno del Pasito Duranguense, in 2005 with Desde la Sierra de Durango, and in 2006 with El Decimo, cementing Conjunto Atardecer’s status among the leading acts on the charts and within the duranguense style overall. On March 23, 2009, drummer Rob Villa was ambushed while driving his van and killed together with four companions. The 2009 album Contigo Para Siempre included the tribute track “El Compa Beto” in Villa’s memory.