El Chicano - Brown Eyed Girl (( 1972 ))

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Recorded from Kapp K-2173 45rpm

El Chicano, originally formed by Freddie Sanchez under the name The VIP's arose during a period of increasing Chicano consciousness in America. Their initial hit, Viva Tirado, was a jazzy soul rock rendition of Gerald Wilson's original song about a bullfighter. The song did very well on Los Angeles radio and remained #1 for thirteen straight weeks. Other notable tracks recorded by El Chicano are the funky Tell Her She's Lovely as well as a cover of Van Morrison's 1967 hit, Brown Eyed Girl.

Original members of El Chicano include Bobby Espinosa, Freddie Sanchez, Mickey Lespron, Andre Baeza, and John De Luna. Ersi Arvisu was lead singer. During the 1970s, new members Rudy Regalado, Max Garduno, Danny Lamonte, Brian Magness, Jerry Salas, Joe Pererria. joined the group.[1]

On their 1970 albumViva Tirado the group covered the Herbie Hancock jazz standard "Cantaloupe Island". The song was one of nine songs which included the hit single "Viva Tirado" which went gold.

El Chicano continues to be active with a combination of original and new members. They performed on the 2009 PBS pledge break special, Trini Lopez Presents the Legends of Latin Rock, along with Thee Midniters, Tierra, and Gregg Rolie (of Santana and Journey fame).[1]

Original keyboardist, Bobby Espinosa ‒ who laid down Hammond organ on some of El Chicano's most recognizable tracks ‒ died on February 27, 2010.[2] Former percussionist, Rudy Regalado, who spent twelve years with the band died on November 4, 2010.[3] Latin percussionist of former Santana renown,[4] Walfredo Reyes, Jr., recorded with the band from 2010 to 2012,[5] and is currently performing with the band Chicago.