“Nosotros’ music is not to be explained, it is to be felt in the pit of our souls.” — Hyperactive Music Magazine

Unexplainable. Undefinable. Unmistakable.

Nosotros.

Nosotros, the award-winning Latin band known for its socially conscious music, has been drawing music lovers to their distinctive Latin groove for nearly 3 decades. What began as a guitar trio in 1994, quickly took on a life of its own, becoming something that no one could have predicted, including becoming one of the most recognizable and original Latin bands in the Southwest United States.

The band’s remarkable evolution over the years – taking on new members and leadership along the way – has resulted in the 10-piece Latin music powerhouse it is today. The group seamlessly combines a myriad of rhythms – cumbia, bolero, salsa, chica – with elements of rock, jazz and beyond, a creating an innovative and imaginative Latin sound that is, unique, undefinable and unmistakably Nosotros.

The early years of Nosotros began in their hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The original guitar trio of Randy Sanchez, Gene Watkins, Juan Cisneros soon gave way to additional members, over time adding percussion, horns, and vocals and, after releasing two albums (Paloma, 1994; Pico, 1996), Nosotros left Las Cruces and relocated to the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area. The band continued to blossom, making a name for themselves with a near non-stop performance schedule and dynamic stage show.

2003 would mark a pivotal turning point for Nosotros. They teamed up with producer Chris Trujillo (Tom Petty, The Black Crowes, Rod Stewart, Toto) to release their third, eponymous album Nosotros. The album swept the 2004 New Mexico Music Awards, garnering recognition for the highly coveted Album of the Year and Producer of the Year awards as well as Best Latin Song for !Cinco Sentidos”. In addition, the Hispano Music Awards bestow Best Salsa/Tropical Song on them for !El Perseguido”.

With new regional success, national recognition soon followed. Nosotros was invited to perform on bills with some of the biggest acts in music and appeared at the legendary San Jose Jazz and Telluride Jazz Festivals. NPR’s veritable Alt-Latino program began playing Nosotros’ music and twice featured the band. Along with a plethora of New Mexico Music Awards (see awards and recognitions below), they won the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition – twice.

Nosotros had found their groove, but they did not stand still or even slow down. In fact, they continue to this day to astound audiences wherever they perform. They have become festival favorites and have shared stages with the likes of Etta James, Gypsy Kings, Los Lobos, The Wailers, Roy Hargrove, Los Lonely Boys, Robert Mirabal, Joan Osborne, Ozomatli, Las Cafeteras, Flor de Toloache, Grupo Fantasma, Victor Wooten, Dave Mason, Making Movies and many more. And, importantly, their new music continues to be relevant, reflecting our ever-changing world. It also continues to be vibrant, fun and, yes, undefinable. Undeniably “felt in the pit our souls”.

Nosotros released two new tracks in April and May 2024 — the topical and timely “Mentiras” (featuring Las Cafeteras’ Daniel French) and the soulful “Esperanza”, both produced by Ozomatli’s Raul Pacheco.

“It really says a lot about a band when they play on the same day as Victor Wooten and Roy Hargrove and the crowd can’t stop talking about Nosotros’ set.” — Telluride Jazz Festival

Percussionist Jesse Joaquin Parker is a vital part of The Santa Fe Symphony Family. He coaches jazz ensembles in our Youth Education Department, helping students in our ensembles learn the appropriate styles and techniques associated with Jazz, Latin, and Afro-Cuban music.