Banda Los Recoditos

Banda Los Recoditos aren't the kind of banda your parents grew up with.

Originally known as Banda de Jovencitos, Los Recoditos was formed in 1989 by friends, relatives and offspring of Don Cruz Lizárraga, the founder of the legendary Banda El Recodo. Featuring Cruz's son, Alfonso "Poncho" Lizárraga, as well as popular vocalists Francisco "Pancho" Barraza and Jose Ángel Ledezma Quintero, "El Coyote," Los Recoditos went from being a local favorite in the west coast state of Sinaloa to a national band. Officially christened as Banda Sinaloense Los Recoditos by Don Cruz and well-known songwriter José Ángel Espinoza "Ferrusquilla," the band paid its dues with crowd-pleasers like "Vuelve Por Favor" (Please Come Back), Ya No Vuelvo a Molestarte, "Los Laureles" (I Won't Bother You Anymore) and the upbeat Niña Bonita (Pretty Girl).

Despite their growing popularity, Banda Sinaloense Los Recoditos eventually disbanded: "Poncho" Lizárraga took over the reins of Banda El Recodo and singer Pancho Barraza ventured out on what would become a successful solo career. Years later, "Poncho" Lizárraga reformed the group as Banda Los Recoditos, a 17-piece ensemble of young performers. Looser than the more traditional Banda El Recodo, the group often wears bright colors, blazers and/or T-shirts emblazoned their logo: a winking boy with spiky red hair.

One of Los Recoditos' current vocalists, Carlos Sarabia, joined the group after losing a five-year legal battle with the Lizárragas who still run Banda Recodo. A former singer for Banda El Recodo, Sarabia was slapped with a lawsuit when he quit the band before his contract was due. Brothers "Poncho" and Joel Lizárraga won the suit and the two parties settled after Sarabia agreed to join Los Recoditos: "I didn't join as a punishment; 'Poncho' and Joel called me to work things out as friends. I'm still singing and my future is with Recoditos one thousand percent."

While they may never be as popular as their padrinos, Banda El Recodo, Los Recoditos are upbeat about their newest member and their future. Percussionist Yazid Benítez: "We're happy with the addition of Carlos; there's a really positive vibe within the band."

A preview of the band's latest single, La Machaca, is currently streaming on the group's official site.