Who is on tour with Alejandro Fernandez?

Alejandro Fernandez is a beloved Mexican singer known for his ranchera music and romantic ballads. He comes from a famous musical family, as his father is the iconic singer Vicente Fernandez. Alejandro has established himself as one of the most popular Latin music artists over the past 30 years, selling over 30 million records worldwide. He recently embarked on a massive world tour in support of his latest album, Hecho En Mexico. For this tour, Alejandro has assembled an incredible group of musicians and performers to join him onstage. In this article, we will take a closer look at who exactly is touring with Alejandro Fernandez across the globe.

Alex Gonzalez

One of the main musicians playing with Alejandro Fernandez on tour is Alex Gonzalez on drums. Alex is an acclaimed drummer who has played with the likes of Maná, Jennifer Lopez, and Paulina Rubio. He is known for his technical precision, creativity, and high-energy performing style. Alex has been playing drums since he was just 5 years old and studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. He has been Alejandro’s longtime drummer and toured with him across the world. During Alejandro’s shows, Alex plays everything from ranchera rhythms to pop beats with flawless execution. He helps drive the momentum of the live performances.

Juan Carlos Toribio

On keyboard and musical direction is Juan Carlos Toribio. He is an exceptionally skilled musician who has worked with a wide array of Latin music stars like Luis Miguel, Gloria Trevi, and Diego Torres. Juan Carlos brings over 25 years of experience to Alejandro’s tour. He is highly versatile and can fluidly shift between styles during a performance, from Mexican folk to romantic pop. Juan Carlos also serves as the musical director, helping shape the overall sound and arrangements. His keyboards add richness and atmosphere to the concert experience.

Eduardo del Águila

On percussion is the talented Eduardo del Águila. Eduardo has worked with Alejandro Fernandez for over 15 years now. He is a percussionist extraordinaire who can play everything from timbales to congas flawlessly. Eduardo injects a highly rhythmic, energetic pulse into Alejandro’s shows with his diverse percussion skills. He is a master at enhancing ranchera songs with just the right conga lines or timbale riffs. Eduardo also know how to adapt his playing to more pop-oriented arrangements. His percussion talents help keep the crowd moving and dancing all night long.

Jairo Ojeda

Providing backing vocals on tour with Alejandro is Jairo Ojeda. He is an experienced singer with a silky smooth voice. Jairo has built a strong resume singing with Latin greats like Vicente Fernandez, Paquita la del Barrio, and Pepe Aguilar. His versatile vocals allow him to sing in a diverse range of styles, from soulful boleros to mariachi classics. Jairo delivers beautiful harmonies and countermelodies that perfectly complement Alejandro’s passionate lead vocals. His voice is a key element of the bombastic chorus sections during the shows.

Chuy Flores

On trumpet is the dynamic Chuy Flores. He is a highly-skilled trumpeter who has been playing with Alejandro Fernandez for over 20 years. Chuy is able to add in powerful horn lines that punctuate Alejandro’s biggest ranchera hits. His playing is bold and brassy, cutting through clearly even in a large arena. Chuy also knows how to exhibit finesse and restraint when needed, such as during more intimate pop ballads. His trumpet solos often garner enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Chuy is a spectacular showman in addition to being a stellar musician.

The Mariachi Sol de Mexico

In addition to his core band, Alejandro Fernandez is also touring with the acclaimed Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernández. They are an award-winning mariachi ensemble founded by José Hernández, a pioneering mariachi musician and educator. The group consists of over a dozen highly-skilled mariachi musicians playing violins, guitars, trumpets, vihuelas, and more. They showcase the rich musicality of traditional mariachi while adding modern influences. Their participation allows Alejandro to seamlessly transition from pop arrangements into full mariachi numbers during his shows. It makes for an incredibly dynamic concert experience. The group also performs featured sets during the shows, wowing crowds with their virtuosic mariachi performances.

The Basel Philharmonic Orchestra

In Europe, Alejandro Fernandez had the chance collaborate with the Basel Philharmonic Orchestra. For 16 dates across Spain and Switzerland, he performed with the renowned orchestra. The Basel Philharmonic Orchestra brought a sweeping orchestral sound to Alejandro’s music, turning his hits into breathtaking symphonic arrangements. The lush strings, woodwinds, and brass added new dimensions to classics like “Me Dediqué A Perderte” and “Que Seas Muy Feliz.” Conducted by acclaimed musician Jamie Gómez, the orchestra provided an unforgettable accompaniment unlike anything Alejandro had done before. It was a truly unique opportunity for him to reimagine his catalog backed by a world-class philharmonic orchestra.

Dancers

Adding visual flair to the shows are dancers choreographed by Anibal Marrero. Alejandro’s concerts feature routines with 6-8 dancers who are top notch performers. The dance team incorporates different Latin styles like salsa, cabaret, flamenco, and Mexican folklorico. Their choreography is both graceful and energetic, showcasing technical skill while engaging the crowd. The dancers costume changes match the diverse setlist, ranging from charro suits to flamenco dresses. Their presence onstage enhances the overall production and gives audiences captivating visuals to go along with the music. The choreography is a vital part of making Alejandro’s tour such an unforgettable experience.

Tour Setlist & Production

Alejandro Fernandez is playing a wide-ranging setlist on tour spanning his entire career. Each concert includes his biggest ranchera hits like “Me Dediqué A Perderte” along with romantic pop singles such as “Si Tú Supieras.” He pays tribute to his father with an emotional rendition of “Amor de los Dos.” Alejandro also performs standards from Mexico’s legendary songwriters. Of course, his recent singles from Hecho En México like “Decepciones” and “Te Olvidé” make appearances. In Europe, the setlist also incorporated symphonic versions of hits backed by the Basel Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, there are featured mariachi instrumental numbers courtesy of Mariachi Sol de Mexico.

The production includes state-of-the-art lighting, video screens, and pyrotechnics to enhance the visual spectacle. From intimate acoustic ballads to huge mariachi fiestas, the pacing and variety of the setlist keeps the energy high. Alejandro’s legendary vocals remain the focal point as he pours emotion into every lyric. Backed by his world-class band and collaborators, Alejandro Fernandez continues showcasing why he is one of Mexico’s most treasured musical icons.

Member Backgrounds

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the backgrounds of some key members touring with Alejandro Fernandez:

Alex Gonzalez

Alex Gonzalez has been playing drums since age 5. He was born in Venezuela and studied at the Simón Bolívar Conservatory there. He later moved to Boston to enroll at Berklee College of Music. Over his career, Alex has recorded and performed with artists like Maná, Robi Draco Rosa, Obie Bermúdez and Los Amigos Invisibles. In 2013, Alex released his own album entitled Sueños which explores a mix of jazz, rock, funk, latin and world music. It featured top musicians like John Patitucci, Miguel Zenón and Antonio Sánchez. When not touring with Alejandro, Alex teaches master classes and online drum courses. He is endorsed by drum brands like Yamaha, Zildjian, Remo and Vic Firth.

Juan Carlos Toribio

Juan Carlos Toribio was born in Mexico and comes from a family of mariachi musicians. He started playing keyboards professionally by age 16. In the 1980s, he was a member of the group Los Apson which received a Grammy nomination. Juan Carlos has collaborated extensively with mariachi artists like Pepe Aguilar, Mariachi Vargas and Mariachi Sol de Mexico. He has also worked as musical director for top Mexican singers such as Ana Gabriel, Gloria Trevi, Aida Cuevas and Luis Miguel. Juan Carlos is renowned for his technical abilities on keyboards, especially the ornate arrangements he creates for mariachi groups and symphony orchestras.

Eduardo del Águila

Eduardo del Águila was born in Cuba and comes from a long line of percussionists. He started playing as a young child and moved to Mexico City as a teenager. Eduardo has recorded over 500 albums across a wide range of musical genres. Beyond Alejandro Fernandez, he has also toured and recorded with iconic artists like Celia Cruz, Plácido Domingo, Ricky Martin and Miguel Bosé. Eduardo is also a busy studio musician in Mexico, Los Angeles, Miami and Puerto Rico. He teaches percussion as well and authored an instructional book called Ritmos de Bongó.

Jairo Ojeda

Jairo Ojeda hails from Torreón, Mexico and comes from an artistic family. He took ballet classes as a child before discovering his vocal talent. Jairo moved Mexico City at 17 to pursue music professionally. He has provided backing vocals for two decades now to the top names in Latin music like Thalía, Ana Bárbara, Fernando de la Mora and Arturo Macías. Jairo has also worked as a singer for Disney in Latin America, being the Spanish voice of characters in films like The Emperor’s New Groove and The Princess and the Frog.

Chuy Flores

Jesús “Chuy” Flores was born in Jalisco, Mexico which is known as Mexico’s mariachi heartland. He comes from a family of mariachi musicians and has played trumpet since he was 8 years old. Chuy is accomplished at the technique of playing two trumpets at once, which is the traditional mariachi style. Beyond Alejandro Fernandez, he has worked extensively with his legendary father Vicente Fernández. Chuy has also recorded and performed with famous Mexican singers like Pedro Fernández, Paquita la del Barrio and Pepe Aguilar.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Alejandro Fernandez has tour dates booked well into 2024 across Mexico, the United States, Central America, and South America. Here is a look at some of the major concerts and festivals he will be headlining in the coming months:

These major arena and stadium shows demonstrate Alejandro Fernandez’s enduring popularity across Latin America and the United States. He continues selling out tours even after over 30 years of performing. Fans are eager to see his exciting new live production and setlist featuring his full band, mariachis, and dancers. It will be another busy and successful tour run for Alejandro Fernandez as he keeps cementing his legacy as one of Mexico’s greatest musical artists.

Setlist Variety

Alejandro Fernandez is known for creating a different setlist and production for each tour so fans always get a fresh experience. Let’s compare his current tour setlist to previous tours:

Made in Mexico Tour 2020

Alejandro’s 2020 tour supported his album Hecho En Mexico. The setlist heavily featured ranchera and mariachi numbers including:

– Solamente Una Vez
– Sonríele a la Vida
– Vestida de Blanco
– El Rey
– México Lindo y Querido

It included multiple mariachi instrumentals from his backing Mariachi Sol de Mexico. Dancers and folkloric costumes matched the Mexican theme.

Confidencias World Tour 2018

This tour supported Alejandro’s 2017 album Confidencias which explored a more romantic, pop sound. The setlist included hits like:

– Hoy Tengo Ganas de Ti
– Te Voy A Perder
– Nube Viajera
– Me Dediqué A Perderte

Backing dancers wore more contemporary choreography. Guest stars like Reyli Barba joined for duets. The overall show had a sleeker production design compared to the current Mexican folk aesthetic.

Contra Corriente Tour 2015

Alejandro’s 2015 tour mixed orchestral renditions with acoustic numbers like:

– Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella
– Me Hace Tanto Bien
– Ella

It featured Alejandro alone on stage with just a guitarist or pianist for a more raw, stripped-down feel. For big hits, a symphony orchestra provided sweeping strings and bold brass. This gave it a completely different flavor from recent tours.

Conclusion

Alejandro Fernandez has assembled an incredible team of musicians, dancers, and production experts for his latest world tour. Veterans like Alex Gonzalez and Juan Carlos Toribio are joined by mariachi legends Mariachi Sol de Mexico to recreate Alejandro’s hits. The concerts also feature stunning costumes and choreography. Fernandez is expertly showcasing the diversity of his catalog from heartfelt pop to mariachi anthems. He continues his legacy as Mexico’s premier touring artist with another unforgettable live production. Audiences across the globe will be captivated as Alejandro Fernandez headlines sold-out shows for the foreseeable future.