Los Texmaniacs


Los Texmaniacs is a conjunto band created by Max Baca in 1997. Baca wanted to create a band that incorporated elements from genres such as Rock & Roll and Jazz while still honoring the roots of conjunto Tejano. In 2010 Los Texmaniacs won a Grammy Award for Tejano Album of The Year "Borders y Bailes". Members of Los Texmaniacs have changed over the years but current members include Max Baca on bajo sexto, Josh Baca on accordion, Noel Hernandez on electric bass, and Lorenzo Martínez on the drums. Los Texmaniacs have collaborated with various artists from different genres including Rick Trevino, Flaco Jimenez, Los Lobos and even hip hop recording artist/songwriter King Montana. King Montana, a.k.a. Aztek Astronaut, is first cousins with Max Baca.

Early beginnings and influences

was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His grandfather was an amateur accordion player, and his father, Max Baca, Sr., played accordion in his own band. Narciso Martínez was one of his father’s idols, and Baca treasured his recordings. At age five, Max started learning accordion. The first two songs Baca learned were the polka, "Monterrey," and the swing classic, "In the Mood." This combination of musical genres with the conjunto music he inherited from his father portended the future direction of Baca's musical career.
and Max Baca, 2013
When he was twelve, Baca and his brother Jimmy formed their own group from Albuquerque New Mexico- Los Hermanos Baca- The Band had hit after hit in the Land of Enchantment to include- "Hey Baby Que Paso" an original hit of The Texas Tornados. The Members: Jimmy Baca Accordion & Vocals, Max Baca Bajo Sexto & Vocals, Lee Ray Romero, Jr. Bass Guitar and Carl Lee Lucero Drums. Max had been playing in Albuquerque with Los Hermanos Baca when one of his major idols, Flaco Jiménez, invited him to come to San Antonio and play bajo sexto in his band. Flaco taught Baca the old techniques and encouraged him to play all twelve strings, in contrast to many other players, who ignored the lower strings, relegating the bass line entirely to the electric bass.
Max continued to play with Flaco, but wanted to keep the creative flame of the Texas Tornados alive in his own work when he decided to create Los Texmaniacs.

Awards

Los Texmaniacs won a Grammy Award for Best Tejano Album for Borders y Bailes.

Discography

Los Texmaniacs discography: