Born and raised in San Francisco, brothers Ron and Alfonso Portillo were influenced by bands such as Santana, Malo, War, El Chicano, Azteca, and Journey. Having come from a musical family, the brothers started playing music together in the early 80's. They continued on their musical journey and were later discovered by Victor Pamiroyan, manager of Latin legend Pete Escovedo, who recognized Los Cochinos as an up and coming band that is well on its way to success in the Latin rock music scene.
Ron Portillo's talented hands create the Latin flavored songs on the keyboard and Alfonso creates the melodies on his guitar with feeling and passion. Together, they create a special sound that has been compared to the early sound of Santana, El Chicano and other Latin Rock style bands.
Los Cochinos' talented musicians include on bass, Dave-O Witten, the original bass player for the band and former member of "Malo".
On Drums and percussion, Richard "Bandido" Segovia, a renowned San Francisco Mission District percussionist who has played with many top bands including "The Doobie Brothers", Greg Allman Band, Jorge Santana, "Malo", Eddie Money, and, "Puro Bandido".
Also from the Mission District, is our singer, the talented Cedric "Coco" Deonbi.
On Latin Percussion is our conguero, Carlos "Kookie" Gonzalez. Carlos has played with many notable San Francisco bands including "Los Mocosos", and Anthony Blea and "Mambo Street".
On Horns, we have the talented section of Larry "Refu" Sanders and Art Arriola. Larry plays both the sax and flute, and sings background vocals. "Refu" is a New Orleans native and has studied under Al Makay(Earth, Wind, and Fire), Billy Preston, and pianist Horace Tapscott. He has shared the stage with, and, or performed with Greg Karakas, Muddy Waters, Chris Cain, The Fowler Brothers, The Whispers, The Temptations, Saxophonist Euge Grove, and Bay Area greats Tom Pulitzer and Jeff Beck, formerly of Tower of Power.
Also on horns, is the talented Art Arriola. Art has played with Pete Escovedo, Richard Bean and Sapo, and many other great musicians. Art also leads his own band in the San Francisco Bay Area. Art sings background vocals and plays the French horn, trumpet, and trombone.
Press:
"SF Carnaval-Here is a partial list of this year's performing bands, as they are well worth mentioning for those out-of-towners wanting to know what is happening in the San Francisco Bay: Los Cochinos"
Chuy Varela-Latin Beat Magazine
"Los Cochinos are a newer group but have been rapidly climbing the ladder and being mentioned alongside all the legends. The only way a new band can do that in such a short time is by being dynamic. That's what Los Cochinos are...DYNAMIC!
Arturo Gastelum-Old City Entertainment
"All three bands are great, but the band that genuinely speaks to me is Los Cochinos. They remind me of the days when I used to go to see the Paladins and The Blazers at the Palamino in LA. I hope people come out for this show because this is the groove that just makes people feel good!"
Stephanie Daulton-Urban Music News
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