Since their formation in the early 1970s, Malo has established themselves as one of the most important bands in the Latin rock scene. With their unique blend of Latin rhythms, funk, and soul, they were able to create a sound that was both fresh and familiar. However, their success was not just due to their music, but also to the talented musicians who made up the band. In this article, we will take a closer look at the members of Malo and their contributions to the band’s legacy.

Who were the original members of Malo?

Malo was formed in San Francisco in 1971 by Carlos Santana’s brother Jorge Santana. The original lineup included:

• Jorge Santana – guitar
• Arcelio Garcia – timbales
• Richard Kermode – keyboards
• Pablo Tellez – bass
• Abel Zarate – guitar
• Richard Spremich – saxophone
• Forrest Buchtel – trumpet
• Paul Beaver – percussion
• Leo Rosales – lead vocals

How did each member contribute to the band’s sound?

Each member of Malo brought their own unique style and influences to the band, which helped shape their sound. Here’s a closer look at how each member contributed:

Jorge Santana – guitar

As the founder of the band, Jorge Santana was responsible for shaping the overall sound of Malo. His guitar playing was heavily influenced by his brother Carlos, but he also incorporated elements of funk and R&B into his playing.

Arcelio Garcia – timbales

Garcia’s timbales provided the backbone of Malo’s Latin rhythms. His playing was precise and energetic, which helped drive the band’s music forward.

Richard Kermode – keyboards

Kermode’s keyboards added a layer of depth and complexity to Malo’s sound. He was able to seamlessly blend Latin rhythms with jazz and funk influences, which made the band’s music stand out.

Pablo Tellez – bass

Tellez’s bass playing was the foundation of Malo’s music. His grooves were funky and soulful, which helped give the band their unique sound.

Abel Zarate – guitar

Zarate’s guitar playing added another layer of texture to Malo’s music. He was able to seamlessly blend his Latin influences with elements of rock and funk, which helped make the band’s sound stand out.

Richard Spremich – saxophone

Spremich’s saxophone playing added a touch of jazz to Malo’s music. His solos were melodic and soulful, which helped elevate the band’s sound.

Forrest Buchtel – trumpet

Buchtel’s trumpet playing was another key element of Malo’s sound. His solos were energetic and full of life, which helped bring the band’s music to life.

Paul Beaver – percussion

Beaver’s percussion added depth and complexity to Malo’s music. His use of congas, bongos, and other percussion instruments helped give the band their Latin sound.

Leo Rosales – lead vocals

Rosales’ soulful vocals were the perfect match for Malo’s music. His ability to sing in both English and Spanish helped the band reach a wider audience.

How did the public respond to Malo?

Malo’s unique blend of Latin rhythms, funk, and soul quickly caught the attention of music fans in the United States and beyond. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1972, was a commercial success, reaching #14 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s lead single, “Suavecito,” became a hit and remains one of the band’s most popular songs to this day.

Despite their early success, Malo would never achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their peers. However, their influence on Latin rock cannot be understated. Their unique sound helped pave the way for other Latin rock bands, and their legacy continues to inspire musicians today.

What happened to the original members of Malo?

After the release of Malo’s second album, Dos, in 1972, several members of the band left to pursue other projects. Jorge Santana released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians, including Carlos Santana. Richard Kermode continued to play keyboards and worked as a session musician. Pablo Tellez played with several other Latin rock bands, including El Chicano and Tierra. Abel Zarate played with several other Latin rock bands, including El Chicano and Azteca. Leo Rosales continued to sing and release music, but never achieved the same level of success as he did with Malo.

What is Malo’s legacy?

Malo’s legacy is one of innovation and creativity. Their unique blend of Latin rhythms, funk, and soul helped pave the way for other Latin rock bands, and their influence can be heard in the music of artists such as Santana, War, and Los Lobos. While they may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, their impact on the Latin rock scene cannot be understated.

Summary Table: Malo Band Members