Mazizo Musical, a fresh, young duranguense group hailing from Chicago, offers a unique twist on what has become one of the Spanish-speaking world's fastest rising genres. While most other regional Mexican styles remain static or shrink back from their mid-'90s popularity, duranguense artists consistently reach platinum record sales and pack out concert and dance halls. Mazizo Musical has integrated acoustic instrumentation and a live horn section into a style that is generally synthesized. The seven-piece band has become known among the ever-swelling duranguense audiences for their lively stage presentation, youthful good looks, and hip, urban-edged attire. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez