La Banda Gorda

The Dominican-based merengue outfit La Banda Gorda was led by trumpeter José Virgilio Peña Suazo, a former member of groups including La Coco Band. The first La Banda Gorda album, Libre Al Fin, followed in 1994; subsequent efforts include 1995's Candela Pura, 1997's Por el Mismo Camino and 1998's Calienta Esta. ~ Jason Ankeny