Conjunto Primavera

Conjunto Primavera may not be as "hardcore" as fellow Norteño combo Los Tigres del Norte, but over the last 30 years the Chihuahua band's romantic ballads have made them one of most loved and respected conjuntos in the genre.

Hailing from the bordertown of Ojinaga near Presidio, Texas, Conjunto Primavera was founded by saxophone player Juan Domínguez on the first day of Spring in 1978 – hence the name "Primavera." Dominguez was joined by Tony Melendez (vocals), Félix Contreras (accordion and keyboards), Oscar Ochoa (bass), Rolando Pérez (double bass) and Daniel Martínez (drums) and the group soon distinguished itself with a jazzy, saxophone-driven sound and, at the time, slick matching suits.

After nearly two decades with indies, the band struck a deal with Fonovisa in the mid '90s and quickly grew their fan base and discography. The Latin Grammy-nominated Conjunto Primavera has released over 35 albums (including compilations and live albums) in a little over a decade. The band's latest, Que Ganas De Volver (What Do You Get From Coming Back), includes the hit single Te Lloré (I Cried For You), a dreamy lament about lost love which includes the lines: "Fuiste el alma de mi vida, mi tormenta y mi guarida, mi pecado y mi rosario, fuiste más que un milagro."

When asked how they stay on top of the Norteño scene, the band insists its just giving the people what they want: "We base our sound on what our fans want to hear, the music our public has supported. It's an easy way of knowing which type of songs we'll do and what themes we include in our music. Up to this moment, I think, we haven't faltered."