Far from being an exaggeration, the inevitably enthusiastic pre-show publicity proved to be absolutely accurate and Chucho Lopez Big Band’s performances at the Auditorio on January 22 and 23, were absolutely superb. It was sheer magic to be able to witness top quality big band music right here in Ajijic.
Born in Chapala, Chucho Lopez began his musical studies with José Navarro at the age of five. At six, his mother gave him a CD of Big Band music and he discovered his true métier. Later, after three years studying piano and harmony in the Diocesan School of Sacred Music of Guadalajara, Jalisco, he began his formal trumpet studies with teachers Karen King and Federico Palacios. 
Since the age of 15 Lopez has worked with many top Mexican and international singers and musicians, including Rodolfo Popo Sánchez, Eugenio Toussaint, Enrique Nery, Henry Mancini, Barry White, Donna Summer, Tony Bennett, Vicky Carr and others too numerous to mention. He joined orchestra Perez Prado in 1981 and toured Morocco, Peru, Panama, the United States and Japan.
Moving to Madrid, Spain, he worked with Hispanic musicians including: Miguel Blanco, Bob Sands, Bobby Martinez and Juan Munguia. After touring Spain and Portugal with Paquito de Rivera and flamenco fusion group Barbershop South, he became first trumpet in the Big Bands of the School of Creative Music and Musicians Workshop Madrid, where he taught for three years.
In 2003 he relocated to Los Angeles, California, and participated in various editions of national and international OTI Festival and countless television programs.
Nowadays Lopez divides his time between Mexico City and Los Angeles, but it has always been his dream to bring his band to Lake Chapala, where his passion for big band music began, so these performances held a special significance for him.
After a welcome from Director and trumpet soloist Lopez himself, repeated in English by his daughter Carla, the program opened with two Count Basie numbers: “All of Me, by Marks & Simons” and “I Left my Heart in San Francisco” by Cory & Cross. This was followed by the Harry James’ version of Eric Coates’ “Sleepy Lagoon.”
Then well-known popular singer, Rodolfo Loeza sang two Frank Sinatra favorites, “I’ve got you Under my Skin” and “Fly me to the Moon” and the audience obviously thoroughly appreciated his beautiful voice and very easy singing style, which is similar to Sinatra’s.
Then, in rapid succession, followed Tom Jones’ version of “Help Yourself,” Natalie Cole’s “(It’s only a) Paper Moon,” “Almost Like Being in Love,” “Orange Colored Sky” and “Love.” Then, “I Remember Clifford,” composer Benny Golson’s tribute to gifted jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown who died in a car accident aged just 25, brought the first half to a close.
The second half of the concert burst open to Cuban musician Mario Bauzá’s “Cubauza.” Then came Michael Buble’s pacey big band orchestration of The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy me Love,” followed by “Me and Mrs. Jones.”
Singer Fela Dominguez’ impressive voice and range, ensured a wonderful performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” followed by “I Will Always Love You,” both of which were exquisitely sung and met with great enthusiasm from the audience.
Again, time flew. We were treated to Spanish singer Conchita Buika’s “Volveras,” a Medley of José Jose’s songs and finally a reprise of Pérez Prado’s seemingly jet powered interpretation of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumble Bee.”
It was over all too soon and the music left an indelible memory of pure excellence. The quality and sheer professionalism of the entire band was unforgettable. I know I’m not alone in hoping that we see a lot more of the Chucho Lopez Big Band, here in Ajijic, in very soon.
Band - Trumpets: Moy Garcia, Miguel Angel Chavez, Francisco Lopez. Carlos Lopez. Trombones: Estevan Rivera, Jose Manuel Lopez, Alex Diaz, Mall Williams. Saxophones: Jaco Gonzalez, Abel Sanchez, Juan Ramos, Ottis Ganceda, Nicte Esparza. Piano: Pepe Moran. Guitar: Alger Eroza. Double Bass: Marcos Milagres. Drums: Mario Garcia, Giovanni Figueroa.