Los Cochinos

San Francisco's very own Los Cochinos-Pure Latin Rock

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, his own band "Puro Bandido". Richard also plays with Dakila.

On vocals, The talented David Zabalza, a recent addition after we lost our singer and front man for many years to cancer, Cedric "Coco" Deonbi. David has written and performed music with Pablo Tellez (Santana, Malo) and has recorded and shared the stage with many well known artists including War, The Temptations, Con-Funk-Shun, Tower of Power, Tierra and Dizzy Gillespi. He now assists Alfonso on writing and composing some of the band's new songs.

On congas, Vicente Ponciano. Vicente has played with many notable San Francisco bands including "Dakila".

On Sax, from San Jose, CA, Joe Lopez. Joe has played and recorded with many of the Bay Area's Latin Rock/Soul bands. Joe also plays guitar.

Guest horn players include:

Julius Melendez, trumpet. Julius has many professional credits including having recorded on Santana's Grammy winning albums "Supernatural" and "Shaman". He also toured with Santana for five years. Julius also recorded his own album "Passion and Romance".

Jeff Teczon, sax. Jeff recorded with John Lee Hooker, Jr., on his recent Grammy nominated album.

Abraham Vasquez, sax. Abe has played with many notable bands including Hall and Oates, Dr. John, Tierra, and The Tommy Castro Band.

Larry "Refu" Sanders 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.

Last but not least, 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

Cedric "Coco" Deonbi

We recently lost our brother Cedric "Coco" DeOnbi to cancer. He was so loved and a beautiful person. He had a very illustrious career in music and was a Vietnam veteran. He was a father, brother and son that was very loved. He brought his golden voice and talent to Los Cochinos and advised, created and produced some of our music and also brought his own influence to our rehearsals and shows. He was a unique and sensitive person.

We will miss you Coco!