We didn’t steal him from Mana.” Alfonso Andres is referring to guitarist César “Vampiro” López from the Mexican rock band Jaguares. For many years, word was that vocalist Saúl Hernández stole him from the rock band Mana. Not true. Vampiro briefly joined Mana in 1992 for the album “Dónde Jugarán los Niños” and left in 1994. Hernández offered Vampiro a spot on his band and he quickly accepted. Now that the subject is closed, Andrés would prefer talking about the band’s latest CD Crónicas de un Laberinto (Chronicles of the Labyrinth), Sony/BMG, due out May 31.
It’s been three years since their last album. Andrés said they were looking for a diff erent approach. In contrast to previous albums where there would be a big musical part that segues into a solo, they opted for shorter and simpler songs.
“We always try to come up with something different and exciting for us, not to repeat the last album,” said the 42-year old drummer. “We don’t want to be a cliché of something.”
Jaguares collaborated with longtime friend Adrián Belew, who last worked with the band 10 years ago. This time around, Belew contributed his talent as a musician instead of acting as producer. Belew found himself with a more mature band which made working a lot easier.
“We don’t have the same problems we were facing back then…ego trips and fights. This time around things went a lot smoother between us.”
Though fans will notice the obvious distinction of their sound, there’s also a subtle internal change. The band learned to work more with the production side. Before their involvement, they left the decisions up to the producers and engineers. Now they have more control over what they want and learned how to simplify. Even Hernández’ songwriting has changed by using metaphors which are not open for interpretation.
Jaguares has been able to keep it together for the past 20 years. Previously known as Caifanes, they have gone through hell and back as a family. When asked what kept them together, Andres said unequivocally the music and acceptance of their personalities kept them tight. “We have learned to live with our differences to really appreciate what the rest of the band has to offer as a value to the band and leave behind the ego trips”.
Each member brings a certain dynamic. Saúl brings the most important part which is the songwriting. He’s the dreamer who gets yanked down from the clouds by the other members. Andrés is the self-professed control freak. Vampiro, who got his name as a child who would sleep during the day, is the calming force. He’s usually in a good mood and is always willing to try new ideas.
“Each of us also brings his own musical baggage. We’re always listening to music trying to learn more about it,” said Andrés.
It wasn’t always an easy ride for Jaguares. They stopped playing for a couple years when Hernández contracted a virus that attacked his vocal chords. While he recuperated, Andrés moonlighted in the band La Barranca until Hernández got better. They have been with their label since the 80's. That label is currently going through a merger with Sony. Andres doesn’t worry about the shake up. He assures me that there’s a mutual respect between management and the band. On a lighter note, they made rock history by appearing on the 2002 cover of the first Spanish edition of Rolling Stone magazine in Mexico coinciding with their El Primer Instinto. A second cover is coming soon.
The band doesn’t feel the rush to put forth a new album constantly. “We never want to rush things. We get into the studio when we feel it’s natural and ready.” The time has now come to share with their fans. They have a grueling four-month tour ahead of them. They will visit 26 cities to promote Crónicas and a DVD will be available soon after. The album and tour information can be found on their website.
Andrés is thankful for the fans who stood by them during Hernández’ illness when no single was playing on the radio and there was no video to promote.
“The fan base we have is so incredible. They really like what we’re doing and feel a connection with us and what we’re saying. We’re really, really blessed.”
www.jaguaresmx.com
