Local act 'Magnifico 7' up for music award

Gonzales-based Tejano group Magnifico 7 are living proof that ambition, raw talent and perseverance can prevail in an evolving Tex-Mex music industry.

When news came that they were up for the Tejano Music Awards “new group of the year,” the guys were thrilled, to say the least.

“This has been a lot of fun,” lead vocalist LeeRoy Camarillo said. “We made the second round of the competition, and that’s where the public gets to vote on who they like the most.”

The band originated from an idea and musical friends coming together for a one-time performance as a cover tunes band featuring the sounds of the group’s two greatest musical influences — Grammy-Award winning musical groups La Mafia and Xelencia.

Comprised of members LeeRoy Camarillo (lead vocalist), Ignacio Puente (electric guitar and vocals), Jesse Perales (saxophone), Rick Patino (saxophone), Inocensio Sepulveda (keyboards), Jesse Mejia (bass) and Adam Mosqueda (drums), Magnifico 7 embrace an old school Tejano flavor but with a modernized twist. The group are pressing forward playing private events, clubs and festivals.

While performing at the 2016 Tejano Roots Hall of Fame Awards, the group was discovered - which landed the artist a recording contract with Hacienda Records.

“Solo En La Lluvia,” the group’s first CD, released in November 2016 and has hit worldwide internet radio airwaves and radio stations across the United States, especially in Texas, and crossing the threshold into Mexico. The greater part of the songs on the CD are original compositions by the group themselves, and performed in the Tejano tradition complete with keyboards & horn instrumentation which features Tejano rancheras as well as rhythmic up-tempo cumbias. Magnifico 7 is currently in the studio working on their sophomore CD.

Highlights:

•2017 Nominee for the category “Best New Group” at the 37th Annual Tejano Music Awards

•Jesse Perales, Ignacio Puente, and Rick Patino, heavyweights well known to the Tejano music industry, have been inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame.

Go online to vote for Magnifico 7 for “best new group of the year” by searching “tejano music awards ballot,” — this will take you directly to the link. The deadline is Sept. 22.