Jaguares

In 1995 the Mexico City rock outfit Caifanes supplied the core personnel for a new project called Jaguares. Lead vocalist Saul Hernandez chose the name after experiencing a dream in which he performed inside the mouth of a jaguar. The rebranded group quickly gained widespread acclaim, emerging as one of Mexico’s most celebrated rock acts. Their debut effort, El Equilibrio de los Jaguares, appeared on RCA International in 1996 and cultivated a loyal following at a moment when Mexican rock ensembles struggled to secure radio exposure or performance spaces, the style having acquired a negative reputation after episodes of violence at large outdoor festivals modeled on late-1960s Woodstock events. A double album issued in 1999 under the title Bajo de Azul de Tu Misterio was assembled by Hernandez together with Sabo Romo on bass, Cesar Lopez on guitar, Jarris Margalli on guitar, and Alfonso Andre on drums, augmented by additional players and a string section. The release achieved notable commercial results, enabling the band to headline large stadium concerts throughout Mexico and the United States. An EP titled Saul Hernandez, Compositor followed in 2000.